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

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 12 лип 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.
    #withcaptions
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 503

  • @jimmo42
    @jimmo42 4 роки тому +409

    Thanks for disappointing me. I came here expected this to be yet another boring and confusing UA-cam 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 3 роки тому +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 3 роки тому +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 3 роки тому +7

      @@jimmo42 Well, you write positive feedback to the kind UA-camr, 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 3 роки тому +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 3 роки тому +16

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

  • @ulisesthornock4098
    @ulisesthornock4098 4 роки тому +226

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

    • @Minsang1st
      @Minsang1st 4 роки тому

      Lol exactly. You are a joke

    • @lilym1797
      @lilym1797 3 роки тому +7

      loool goddamit #santarights

    • @bcbc8649
      @bcbc8649 3 роки тому +2

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

    • @ufo5518
      @ufo5518 3 роки тому +1

      lmao

    • @user-qh4mc7pd9t
      @user-qh4mc7pd9t 2 роки тому

      the war on Christmas!

  • @Vladdie777
    @Vladdie777 5 років тому +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  12 років тому +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.

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  11 років тому +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.

  • @buddydog1956
    @buddydog1956 4 роки тому +66

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

  • @DifferentSaturner
    @DifferentSaturner 2 роки тому +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  12 років тому +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 UA-cam too.

  • @erichowry7197
    @erichowry7197 2 роки тому +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!!

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  12 років тому +32

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

  • @raymundo99
    @raymundo99 8 років тому +20

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

  • @rahulfromkerala
    @rahulfromkerala 7 років тому +37

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

  • @Simeylamb98x
    @Simeylamb98x 10 років тому +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

  • @bobmustbebored
    @bobmustbebored 8 місяців тому +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! 🙏🏽 🎉 🌎

  • @davidlord5664
    @davidlord5664 6 років тому +3

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

  • @reddeadghost4343
    @reddeadghost4343 2 роки тому +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 3 місяці тому

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

  • @abrahamlinkenssphere4236
    @abrahamlinkenssphere4236 5 років тому +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!

  • @TheBogur
    @TheBogur 8 років тому +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

  • @matthewlevering5639
    @matthewlevering5639 10 років тому +1

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

  • @TheVinster177
    @TheVinster177 10 років тому +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  10 років тому +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? :-)

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  11 років тому +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. :-)

  • @JedeyeCoffee
    @JedeyeCoffee 8 місяців тому

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

  • @stephancaputa1464
    @stephancaputa1464 5 років тому +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 5 років тому +2

    Absolutely fantastic video. Exactly what I was looking for

  • @zonarevolorio9319
    @zonarevolorio9319 9 років тому +1

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

  • @johngraboski
    @johngraboski 9 років тому +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  9 років тому

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

  • @spdandavate
    @spdandavate 8 років тому +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

  • @gaganakaram4515
    @gaganakaram4515 3 роки тому

    Always refreshing to see videos like these from you.

  • @Xsheaffer
    @Xsheaffer 6 років тому

    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  6 років тому

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

  • @angelaballew995
    @angelaballew995 2 роки тому +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  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you for your kind and generous compliments.

  • @ahmedr.
    @ahmedr. 10 років тому +37

    I like that he used stellarium !

  • @hjmack7388
    @hjmack7388 2 місяці тому

    SO clearly explained! Thank you!

  • @mazharabbasbukhari7390
    @mazharabbasbukhari7390 5 років тому

    Good job Mr David, keep it up.

  • @grinwicked5132
    @grinwicked5132 3 роки тому +1

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

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  3 роки тому

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

  • @ManishFrenchStudio
    @ManishFrenchStudio 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @FieelFlying
    @FieelFlying 10 років тому

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

    • @awakehunter9140
      @awakehunter9140 5 років тому

      Says the guy with a Illuminati pyramid as his pic

  • @souryadiptamajumdar2977
    @souryadiptamajumdar2977 4 роки тому +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  3 роки тому

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

  • @Paulsinke
    @Paulsinke 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @chass6166
    @chass6166 6 років тому

    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

  • @TodaysAudrey
    @TodaysAudrey 5 років тому

    Amazingly helpful. Thank you!

  • @ilicaalexandru657
    @ilicaalexandru657 10 років тому

    Thank you David ! .nice videos !

  • @dezheathen
    @dezheathen 3 роки тому

    I gotta apply practice thanks for this David.

  • @ramonedwin
    @ramonedwin 10 років тому

    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 11 років тому

    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.

  • @gerrardjones28
    @gerrardjones28 8 місяців тому

    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!

  • @kenfrank2730
    @kenfrank2730 2 місяці тому

    Nicely explained subject with very good graphics.

  • @blobrana
    @blobrana 12 років тому

    Good idea to outline the basics for beginners.

  • @gauravnath
    @gauravnath 10 років тому +2

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

  • @KANKU5353
    @KANKU5353 12 років тому +1

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

    • @ednamassa6074
      @ednamassa6074 4 роки тому

      I can't find Basic 2 or 3. Please help!

  • @Ali-qq1vy
    @Ali-qq1vy 10 років тому +1

    Great! This is amazing! Thanks so much!

  • @lovingatlanta
    @lovingatlanta 6 років тому +2

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

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  6 років тому

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

  • @HRFTG
    @HRFTG 11 років тому

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

  • @deviprasadmugachintala8106
    @deviprasadmugachintala8106 9 років тому

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

  • @FloreFleur
    @FloreFleur 5 років тому

    Excellent video!!!!

  • @Charlie-ik3wv
    @Charlie-ik3wv 3 роки тому

    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  3 роки тому

      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.

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  10 років тому +3

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

  • @pdoll96
    @pdoll96 11 років тому

    Very informative and helpful. Thanks.

  • @MichaelFenley
    @MichaelFenley 6 років тому

    Thank you. Very helpful.

  • @slickerbill5330
    @slickerbill5330 10 місяців тому

    'Thankyou" for knowledge and video.

  • @eugeniomyles
    @eugeniomyles 8 років тому +1

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

  • @johnjosephondrick699
    @johnjosephondrick699 2 роки тому

    This is a great video.. Thanks

  • @04Stefan07
    @04Stefan07 11 років тому

    your videos are fantastic!

  • @Capecobra1000
    @Capecobra1000 2 місяці тому

    Super video❤️👍

  • @jnhorsey
    @jnhorsey 11 років тому

    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.

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  12 років тому

    You are very welcome - thank you for watching.

  • @debeshbhattarai
    @debeshbhattarai 4 роки тому

    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....!!!

  • @mariodasilva8729
    @mariodasilva8729 4 роки тому

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

  • @Sakura-zu4rz
    @Sakura-zu4rz 3 роки тому +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  3 роки тому

      Thank you Sakura! Happy holidays to you as well.

  • @angelikahagner2227
    @angelikahagner2227 2 роки тому

    Greate work,like it.

  • @philwesom8784
    @philwesom8784 6 років тому

    awesome vid...

  • @rydgazeify
    @rydgazeify 10 років тому +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  10 років тому +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.

  • @thecomputerpal221
    @thecomputerpal221 3 роки тому

    Absolutely fantastic

  • @sinjunart49
    @sinjunart49 3 роки тому +1

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

  • @ramonedwin
    @ramonedwin 10 років тому +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.

  • @elenamelansoncomics5183
    @elenamelansoncomics5183 Рік тому

    Loving the content

  • @mohamadabdelmoniem3873
    @mohamadabdelmoniem3873 5 років тому

    wow this is incredible

  • @nonokodog622
    @nonokodog622 8 місяців тому +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.

  • @rustyroosterrusty
    @rustyroosterrusty 9 років тому

    Thank you for making this video

  • @richardturner6981
    @richardturner6981 5 років тому

    Great Video

  • @jujudreamz84
    @jujudreamz84 3 роки тому

    Great video ty

  • @danlopez5877
    @danlopez5877 10 років тому

    hello david, would you recommend me buying either of these for a beginner star gazer... Bushnell Barska
    Starwatcher 525X Reflector Telescope or
    Pacifica 10-30x50mm Zoom Binoculars ?

  • @missmurrydesign7115
    @missmurrydesign7115 5 років тому

    THANK YOU SO MUCH.

  • @vishvajeetsinh_solanki
    @vishvajeetsinh_solanki 6 років тому

    You're amazing!

  • @irfanrashid2114
    @irfanrashid2114 3 роки тому

    Very well explained! 😉

  • @sciencelablady4134
    @sciencelablady4134 9 місяців тому

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

    • @Eyesonthesky
      @Eyesonthesky  9 місяців тому

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

  • @hectorfranco8078
    @hectorfranco8078 3 роки тому

    Awesome video man

  • @angelikahagner2227
    @angelikahagner2227 2 роки тому

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

  • @holzkopp5181
    @holzkopp5181 8 місяців тому

    U great teacher🤟🏽

  • @skywatcheruk
    @skywatcheruk 7 років тому

    Pretty interesting channel👍🏻

  • @rajibjoshi8868
    @rajibjoshi8868 3 роки тому

    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

  • @ShlisaShell
    @ShlisaShell 6 років тому +1

    Thank you! : )

  • @71Sylwek
    @71Sylwek 5 років тому

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

  • @mtgirl73sg
    @mtgirl73sg 3 роки тому

    Thank you!

  • @pukhrajmansion8445
    @pukhrajmansion8445 3 роки тому +1

    GREAT 👍

  • @garywayne8567
    @garywayne8567 11 років тому +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.

  • @soumya86
    @soumya86 7 років тому

    Great video! I really liked your enthusiasm and simple explanation. :)

  • @Rehash84
    @Rehash84 Рік тому

    Great work duder, this is really helpful.

  • @Eyesonthesky
    @Eyesonthesky  10 років тому

    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!

  • @iamcedricpowell8051
    @iamcedricpowell8051 5 років тому

    Super! Thanks

  • @francineproulx2535
    @francineproulx2535 4 роки тому +1

    Good video