Getting oriented to better learn the night sky: Stargazing Basics 1 of 3

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  • čas přidán 12. 07. 2012
  • Want to know more about the basics of stargazing? Learn how to orient yourself in the night sky for beginner astronomy, starting with the cardinal directions, and moving through the concepts of the meridian, zenith, ecliptic, celestial sphere, celestial equator and celestial pole - all in a friendly, easy-to-understand presentation.
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  • Věda a technologie

Komentáře • 503

  • @jimmo42
    @jimmo42 Před 4 lety +408

    Thanks for disappointing me. I came here expected this to be yet another boring and confusing CZcams video. I was disappointed. This is well presented, you speak very clearly, and the information is useful and coherent. Admittedly, I already knew almost everything you said having been an astronomy buff since the 70's, but it was definitely a wonderful review of the basics. Keep up the great work!

    • @peakart8850
      @peakart8850 Před 3 lety +12

      Uhh, I believe the word you’re looking for is, “impressed...” You were saying, “disappointing” as if you were saying the video was bad, not good.

    • @jimmo42
      @jimmo42 Před 3 lety +13

      @@peakart8850 uh...nooo.....
      Seems you have misunderstood what I wrote. What was I expecting? Did I get what I was expecting? Or did I get something I was not expecting and thus was "disappointed"?

    • @peakart8850
      @peakart8850 Před 3 lety +7

      @@jimmo42 Well, you write positive feedback to the kind CZcamsr, but yet you say you are disappointed. I just may not be hearing you right, but if you were expecting a bad video and was surprised to see it was well presented and that the man spoke clearly, then the correct word would be, “impressed.”

    • @peakart8850
      @peakart8850 Před 3 lety +7

      And the definition of the word, “disappointed” is that you were expecting more of somebody or something, but did not receive that level of expectation.

    • @jimmo42
      @jimmo42 Před 3 lety +16

      @@peakart8850 Google "sarcasm and intelligence". That might explain the problem you have understanding.

  • @Vladdie777
    @Vladdie777 Před 5 lety +19

    Thanks dude, I'm trying. Started stargazing as a kind of therepeutic thing with some binoculars. I do struggle to orient myself, sometimes I can easily spot constellations when I'm lying down, then I move around and look up and it takes me ages to get my bearings again. This should help with that. It's really cool though, feels like I'm reconnecting with my ancient ancestors and the universe again, we are all stardust after all. It feels great to learn the constellations, once you can see them properly it's like your painting the night sky with your imagination.

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  Před 12 lety +16

    Thanks - I figured there are some folks who are interested, but don't know how to get started and may be afraid to ask. This way they can get the basics of the terminology, where and how to look, and then ask better questions. I'm hoping that astronomy clubs may find these useful to put on their websites too, as it should help beginners get basic astronomy questions answered so newcomers will feel better informed.

  • @ulisesthornock4098
    @ulisesthornock4098 Před 4 lety +226

    This guy: no one lives at the North Pole.
    Santa: Am I a joke to you?

    • @Minsang1st
      @Minsang1st Před 4 lety

      Lol exactly. You are a joke

    • @lilym1797
      @lilym1797 Před 3 lety +7

      loool goddamit #santarights

    • @bcbc8649
      @bcbc8649 Před 3 lety +2

      That's a good point, where do flat earthers think Santa lives? More evidence they will dodge.

    • @ufo5518
      @ufo5518 Před 3 lety +1

      lmao

    • @user-qh4mc7pd9t
      @user-qh4mc7pd9t Před 2 lety

      the war on Christmas!

  • @buddydog1956
    @buddydog1956 Před 4 lety +66

    After listening to this guy....I'm getting spaced out ~

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  Před 11 lety +37

    You're welcome! Remember, the zenith is different depending on your latitude (and not the same as the celestial north pole); it is the point directly over your head, no matter where you are on Earth. So nadir is directly down through the ground, wherever you are, and won't point at south pole unless you're at north pole. Altitude is degrees above your own horizon; azimuth is the direction "around" that horizon. Download free program Stellarium; bottom tabs have most of these listed.

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  Před 12 lety +32

    You're welcome, and I'm glad that things "clicked" for you! :-)

  • @DifferentSaturner
    @DifferentSaturner Před 2 lety +9

    Excellent! I liked how you explained everything clearly. I'm interested in this subject but I was often fooled by fake, not-so-clear, clickbait videos. Finally found your channel & hopefully watch more videos from your channel. Added to a playlist: Astronomy, cosmos, universe. Thanks again from Great Britain.
    (Mon 11 Oct 2021 12h10)

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  Před 12 lety +8

    Thank you Jim. What I was thinking was astronomy clubs might want to put them on their websites, to help people get oriented in the night sky, so they feel more educated if/when they show up to outreach events or meetings. But I also use them to supplement my own live presentations at libraries and park districts, because I cover the same concepts each time. This way people can review them at their leisure on my website or on CZcams too.

  • @erichowry7197
    @erichowry7197 Před 2 lety +21

    What a great video! Thank you for posting and keeping it simple! I am 51 years old and received a telescope for Christmas and trying to learn the basics before I attempt to use it!!

  • @grinwicked5132
    @grinwicked5132 Před 3 lety +1

    Excellent video, thank you. A true astronomer! Wearing a comfortable black hoodie while presenting an instructional video to thousands of viewers.

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 3 lety

      You're welcome! It's better to be laid back, the way I see it. :)

  • @reddeadghost4343
    @reddeadghost4343 Před 2 lety +10

    Im 15 and my love for astronomy i had as a child is starting to grow again. Ive been looking for information about the planets and the night sky for a week now , have installed an app to help me too. I'll buy a telescope in a few months when im completely ready!

    • @sabotage_yourheart
      @sabotage_yourheart Před 2 měsíci

      Do you still love it? Cause now I'm 16 and I can relate to you

  • @abrahamlinkenssphere4236
    @abrahamlinkenssphere4236 Před 5 lety +8

    I'm sort of late to the party, but I just wanted to take a moment to thank you folks at eyes on the sky for all the helpful information!

  • @rahulfromkerala
    @rahulfromkerala Před 7 lety +37

    Awesome videos...Highly appreciate your efforts in making these...

  • @bobmustbebored
    @bobmustbebored Před 8 měsíci +2

    Wow thanks for that! I couldn’t put into words what I was thinking to explain to someone what I was trying to understand. And the simple words of “getting oriented with the night sky” sounds so basic but is powerful thanks! 🙏🏽 🎉 🌎

  • @raymundo99
    @raymundo99 Před 8 lety +20

    I love your videos. So well at explaining things precisely and clearly. Thanks :)

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  Před 11 lety +14

    Hi Charles - thanks for the thoughts. I guess I look at this way: In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the tortoise won. Maybe comparing myself to a tortoise isn't the greatest one to make, but the point is this: Over time, the views will go up. That's what matters. I'm not worried. :-)

  • @Charlie-ik3wv
    @Charlie-ik3wv Před 3 lety

    Posted eight years ago and still replying to comments, what a chad. My town uses the wrong lights so there's lots of light pollution. Terrible shame because the night sky is so beautiful, still helpful for what I can see. Thanks!

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 3 lety

      Maybe one day we can get everyone to turn off the lights together, and the world will see the wondrous cosmos that is usually hidden from their view. Ah well, probably not - but I can dream!
      Cheers and clear skies.

  • @ahmedr.
    @ahmedr. Před 10 lety +37

    I like that he used stellarium !

  • @JedeyeCoffee
    @JedeyeCoffee Před 8 měsíci

    Went from my 11PM to the 15PM in natural. Love it. Awesome bit of kit.

  • @kenfrank2730
    @kenfrank2730 Před 2 měsíci

    Nicely explained subject with very good graphics.

  • @TheBogur
    @TheBogur Před 8 lety +19

    Thanks. This explains whole lot for me. As in Contact . Jodie Foster was talking about right ascension and declination :) I had no ide what she was talking about :) Ty

  • @TheVinster177
    @TheVinster177 Před 10 lety +9

    Thanks for this. I'm taking an Astronomy class next semester, and this helped me wrap my head around the concept of the celestial poles. I never knew stars rotated in the sky though, I always assumed they just went from East to West like the Sun. Interesting stuff!

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 10 lety +3

      You're welcome. Remember, the stars don't actually rotate; it's Earth rotating that makes the stars appear to rotate over our heads. And they do go from east to west - it's jut the ones closer to the poles go in a circle. Well, they ALL go in a circle, because the Earth rotates! Make sense? :-)

  • @Simeylamb98x
    @Simeylamb98x Před 10 lety +4

    thanks so much! i have my astronomy gcse tomorrow afternoon and i really didn't understand declination and right ascension until i watched this! many thanks from the UK :D

  • @davidlord5664
    @davidlord5664 Před 6 lety +3

    Awesome videos bud. Keep them coming learning something new with each video. Thanks again.

  • @ManishFrenchStudio
    @ManishFrenchStudio Před 3 lety +1

    Superb information video Dear ❤️... Thank you for sharing 🙏❤️

  • @stephancaputa1464
    @stephancaputa1464 Před 5 lety +3

    Really enjoyed this video. Informative, straight to the point and with a friendly disposition, and fine graphics to supplement the info given. Grade A quality. Thanks!

  • @matt_tee95
    @matt_tee95 Před 5 lety +2

    Absolutely fantastic video. Exactly what I was looking for

  • @hjmack7388
    @hjmack7388 Před 2 měsíci

    SO clearly explained! Thank you!

  • @souryadiptamajumdar2977
    @souryadiptamajumdar2977 Před 4 lety +6

    So um, I had done an astronomy crash course about 5 years back. Wanted to get back into star gazing.
    Thanks for making this video. It is truly amazing

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 3 lety

      You're welcome - thank you for the kind comment!

  • @Paulsinke
    @Paulsinke Před 2 lety +1

    Boom this is exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

  • @gaganakaram4515
    @gaganakaram4515 Před 3 lety

    Always refreshing to see videos like these from you.

  • @blobrana
    @blobrana Před 12 lety

    Good idea to outline the basics for beginners.

  • @zonarevolorio9319
    @zonarevolorio9319 Před 9 lety +1

    Great video sir, my daughter and I watch this 3 videos 3 times each.

  • @mazharabbasbukhari7390

    Good job Mr David, keep it up.

  • @matthewlevering5639
    @matthewlevering5639 Před 10 lety +1

    Hey man thanks for these videos. they are really helping me figure out this RA and declination. I appreciate it.

  • @johngraboski
    @johngraboski Před 9 lety +5

    David, David, David! Thank you! Now that was the best explanation and presentation I have seen on this subject. For a little over a year I've been heavily into astronomy, reading a lot and even trying to make sense of this Coursera (Duke U.) Into Astronomy Course, and you really nailed that for me. Thank you!!!

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 9 lety

      You're welcome John - glad I was able to help!

  • @spdandavate
    @spdandavate Před 8 lety +6

    Thanks for educating and getting me really started on star gazing...this is very nice n clear explanation. u deserve full marks. you can load more videos on this topic & astronomy in general

  • @slickerbill5330
    @slickerbill5330 Před 10 měsíci

    'Thankyou" for knowledge and video.

  • @TodaysAudrey
    @TodaysAudrey Před 5 lety

    Amazingly helpful. Thank you!

  • @dezheathen
    @dezheathen Před 3 lety

    I gotta apply practice thanks for this David.

  • @chass6166
    @chass6166 Před 6 lety

    Thxs for your videos, I am a novice and just purchased my 1st telescope and I am clueless , but your videos are of grt help

  • @FieelFlying
    @FieelFlying Před 10 lety

    This series of videos is awesome, thank you! Starting from here.

    • @awakehunter9140
      @awakehunter9140 Před 4 lety

      Says the guy with a Illuminati pyramid as his pic

  • @gerrardjones28
    @gerrardjones28 Před 8 měsíci

    Iv always loved space since i was a kid, its one of my main interests and i want to learn the constellations and how to star gaze thank you!

  • @Capecobra1000
    @Capecobra1000 Před 2 měsíci

    Super video❤️👍

  • @angelaballew995
    @angelaballew995 Před 2 lety +3

    I just discovered your videos, and I find them truly educational. Thank you for preparing this content to teach to us. I'll keep studying.

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 2 lety +1

      Thank you for your kind and generous compliments.

  • @Xsheaffer
    @Xsheaffer Před 6 lety

    David,
    I am just getting into astronomy and found your videos. They are truly awesome, thank you for all the obvious hard work you put into them. Watching the sponsor's ads in full in the videos, thanks.

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 6 lety

      Xsheaffer thank you so much for the kind and generous compliment!

  • @deviprasadmugachintala8106

    You are the best...
    Keep it up...!

  • @mariodasilva8729
    @mariodasilva8729 Před 4 lety

    Nice and simple. Now I can buy an Accurist Celestial watch, and begin by understanding the lines!

  • @ilicaalexandru657
    @ilicaalexandru657 Před 10 lety

    Thank you David ! .nice videos !

  • @nonokodog622
    @nonokodog622 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This is great ! I studied physics some years ago but never had a chance to get into Astronomy. Now I'm hiking in the wilderness more and wanted to appreciate the night sky better.
    Question: Can I use the position of Polaris, to determine magnetic declination for normal daytime compass use ? Seems like one could do that.

  • @ramonedwin
    @ramonedwin Před 10 lety

    oh wow, i can't believe I missed the "night sky part" .. i understand it now. thank you sooooo much!!.. more power to you!!!

  • @PeterArnold1969
    @PeterArnold1969 Před 11 lety

    Very interesting. I have Star Chart for iPad, and have always knwon a BIT about Right Ascension and Declination, but now I understand it more.

  • @jnhorsey
    @jnhorsey Před 11 lety

    I just got a telescope today and spotted your videos.
    You Da Man!
    You Da Man!
    Will use you every time for instructions and help.

  • @johnjosephondrick699
    @johnjosephondrick699 Před 2 lety

    This is a great video.. Thanks

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  Před 12 lety

    You are very welcome - thank you for watching.

  • @angelikahagner2227
    @angelikahagner2227 Před 2 lety

    Greate work,like it.

  • @pukhrajmansion8445
    @pukhrajmansion8445 Před 3 lety +1

    GREAT 👍

  • @eugeniomyles
    @eugeniomyles Před 8 lety +1

    Excellent!
    I know what I'm doing tonight :D

  • @FloreFleur
    @FloreFleur Před 5 lety

    Excellent video!!!!

  • @elenamelansoncomics5183

    Loving the content

  • @richardturner6981
    @richardturner6981 Před 5 lety

    Great Video

  • @angelikahagner2227
    @angelikahagner2227 Před 2 lety

    All you explain is korrekt and we use it in this way.

  • @HRFTG
    @HRFTG Před 11 lety

    Excellent video, learning this stuff just for fun and taught a lot.

  • @debeshbhattarai
    @debeshbhattarai Před 4 lety

    Enjoyed your explanations on telescopes. I did bump into a little serious Astronomy, after I created DIY Barlow Lens for a Dime, took some moon shots, now I am trying to observe crescent Venus with this...there is a bit of aberration issues. I should be able to resolve it I am sue. Do find my moon shot with my own DIY telescope and J6 plus mobile. Loved your channel, continue inspiring the world..........myself an architect, musician....!!!

  • @thecomputerpal221
    @thecomputerpal221 Před 3 lety

    Absolutely fantastic

  • @Ali-qq1vy
    @Ali-qq1vy Před 10 lety +1

    Great! This is amazing! Thanks so much!

  • @KANKU5353
    @KANKU5353 Před 12 lety +1

    Just watched basics 1 through 3, I've had a Eureka moment, thanks, really enjoyed (and understood) the vids.

  • @lovingatlanta
    @lovingatlanta Před 6 lety +2

    👍Your videos are very helpful and easy to understand. Thank you!

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 6 lety

      LovingAtlanta that's very kind of you to say, thank you!

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  Před 10 lety

    No, it's okay. I kind of trailed off a bit when I said it, so it isn't as forcefully stated as it perhaps should be. But it's a good question to ask, and besides, now you know!

  • @francineproulx2535
    @francineproulx2535 Před 4 lety +1

    Good video

  • @rydgazeify
    @rydgazeify Před 10 lety +1

    Couldn't be explained any clearer. Crisp and clean without assuming anything about the viewer which is a rarity!. Thank you for taking the time to make these. .

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 10 lety +3

      That is one of the nicest compliments I have ever received. Thank you so much; I work really hard to explain things clearly without talking down to viewers.

  • @Sakura-zu4rz
    @Sakura-zu4rz Před 3 lety +1

    Hello Hello Happy Holidays! Thank you so much, wishing you the same. We hope this season ends on a joyful note and continues into a safe and prosperous New Year for you and your Family.

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 3 lety

      Thank you Sakura! Happy holidays to you as well.

  • @MichaelFenley
    @MichaelFenley Před 6 lety

    Thank you. Very helpful.

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  Před 10 lety +3

    You're welcome - glad they help! :-)

  • @holzkopp5181
    @holzkopp5181 Před 8 měsíci

    U great teacher🤟🏽

  • @philwesom8784
    @philwesom8784 Před 6 lety

    awesome vid...

  • @71Sylwek
    @71Sylwek Před 5 lety

    It's a very useful video. Thanks :-)

  • @rajibjoshi8868
    @rajibjoshi8868 Před 3 lety

    being familiar with globe ( earth ) including longitude and latitude having basic idea of earth rotation and earth"s path around the sun and moons rotation around the earth I picked up on what you described as CELESTIAL SPHERE and the idea of ZENITH and fundamental movement in sky of stars and planets ( same as sun- E to W ) good basic lesson my next step is to understand declination and ascent later

  • @pdoll96
    @pdoll96 Před 11 lety

    Very informative and helpful. Thanks.

  • @sinjunart49
    @sinjunart49 Před 3 lety +1

    Great help! I'm going through an old stargazing book and its nice to have a little video to supplement

  • @jujudreamz84
    @jujudreamz84 Před 3 lety

    Great video ty

  • @hectorfranco8078
    @hectorfranco8078 Před 3 lety

    Awesome video man

  • @sciencelablady4134
    @sciencelablady4134 Před 9 měsíci

    fantastic! I teach Astronomy and your videos are great to prep and share.

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 9 měsíci

      Thank you so much! I think others who teach astronomy refer to them too, which is both amazing and humbling.

  • @rustyroosterrusty
    @rustyroosterrusty Před 9 lety

    Thank you for making this video

  • @irfanrashid2114
    @irfanrashid2114 Před 3 lety

    Very well explained! 😉

  • @04Stefan07
    @04Stefan07 Před 11 lety

    your videos are fantastic!

  • @Harsh-ed4fn
    @Harsh-ed4fn Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks to you i could visualise this scenario, as i am not able to witness the night sky with my own eyes due to the pollution and my myopia 😢

  • @iamcedricpowell8051
    @iamcedricpowell8051 Před 5 lety

    Super! Thanks

  • @mohamadabdelmoniem3873

    wow this is incredible

  • @mtgirl73sg
    @mtgirl73sg Před 3 lety

    Thank you!

  • @missmurrydesign7115
    @missmurrydesign7115 Před 5 lety

    THANK YOU SO MUCH.

  • @gauravnath
    @gauravnath Před 10 lety +2

    Great video, thanks! Noticed that E and W are swapped in your visual that explains the zenith, ecliptic etc.?

  • @sacredstonecards9051
    @sacredstonecards9051 Před rokem

    Great video

  • @skywatcheruk
    @skywatcheruk Před 7 lety

    Pretty interesting channel👍🏻

  • @vishvajeetsinh_solanki

    You're amazing!

  • @garywayne8567
    @garywayne8567 Před 11 lety +2

    I just had an epiphany! Did you feel it? Excellent series. Until I found you, I would point my scope at something (the moon) and focus. It's a learning process but my goodness, your explanation makes it seem like I am a real astronomer. My friends think I am a half a bubble closer to being the cool buddy. Tonight I got a big surprise for all the mosquitos! Nobody told me about that part in the telescope store... 8-) I got eaten alive last night! A friend said turn on a fan, I hope it works.

  • @zvonkovuk3206
    @zvonkovuk3206 Před 4 lety

    Oh, thanks God! Finally something easily understandable!

  • @ecnldad9471
    @ecnldad9471 Před 7 lety +1

    Hi David, your videos have been extremely useful in my pursuit of astronomy with my daughter. About 3 years ago I purchased Meade LX-200 10" (Schmidt-Cassegrain) with an AutoStar Upgrade and GPS. Also, I have an Equatorial Mount. My biggest issues (still today) is aligning my telescope. While I can find Polaris I'm never certain if the Stars I'm aligning to are the correct Stars. Hopefully, I've solved this problem is an iPhone App called StarChart. It would be a lot easier if I had a local club, but unfortunately thats not possible.

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  Před 7 lety +1

      Andrew Beau set your mounts latitude to your latitude, level the telescope as best you can, and aim generally as close to north as you can eyeball it. That's good enough for visual observing. I have some videos on aligning and aiming equatorial mounts; check my channel. Not ideal for a fork mounted scope, but still might help.

  • @ramonedwin
    @ramonedwin Před 10 lety +1

    Hi David, your videos are amazing, they're helping me a lot for my astronomy class. One thing though, you said that the ecliptic is higher in the sky during winter and lower during summer... did you say that because you were in the south pole? I'm kind of confused.