Star/planet ID...

Please firstly, excuse my ignorance at using those online star mappy things. But they confuse me, I never know which way round they're supposed to go. @ myself.

Anyway. Please could someone let me know which star/planet it is, which is at the moment (I'm in the SE of the UK) sort of parrallel with the moon, to the curved side, my right. Going down with the horizon. Reason I want to know is this, it's been in the same spot for 3-4 weeks. I thought that stars and planets move across the sky?

I'm probably being really thick, and it's been there all the time, (I have moment like that) but it's had my attention for a while. I have tried to check what it is on an online star map (can't be downloading stellarium, this pc is on its way out, it'd probably push it over the edge) but it's just all dots on a screen.

oops, edit, thank you!

[edit on 16/6/2010 by Acidtastic]

Think you might be looking at Vega

But im no exspert so dont hold me to it.

You are probably looking at Venus.

Yes, it's been in the same general area but it is moving. It's been close to the horizon after sunset for about a month or so and will be for about another month.

Carefully line it up with something on the ground or a star then check it at the same time tomorrow or the next day. You'll see that it is moving, not a lot from day to day, but a bit to the west and lower each night.

At least it's got a cool name (if that is indeed what it is, you sound like you know more than me)


edit, this was @ boo

[edit on 16/6/2010 by Acidtastic]

Originally posted by Phage
You are probably looking at Venus.

Yes, it's been in the same general area but it is moving. It's been close to the horizon after sunset for about a month or so and will be for about another month.

Carefully line it up with something on the ground or a star then check it at the same time tomorrow or the next day. You'll see that it is moving, not a lot from day to day, but a bit to the west and lower each night.

Venus is very very naughty, little bugger gets accused of all sorts Cheers, I had a feeling it was a planet and not a star, and I remember telling a mate a few months ago that it was Venus. But I thought it moved across our skyline faster. I guess I was wrong.