[X] My Assistant

[ElkGroveDan]

As noted on the Stardust thread I'll be taking a short drive to observe re-entry tonight. (2 am California time).

I have agreed to share my images and observations with some folks who are studying the event from various locations. They have even created some nifty sky charts that predict the exact path as it blazes overhead.

My problem is that I never have been an observational astronomy type. Can someone help me undertand these charts and what I will be looking at? I know the elevation is going to be roughly 45 degrees but what exact azimuth does that trail begin at? (NNW?) What constellation is it in or near?(I really only know the major constellations).

Thanks everyone for your assistance with my "stellar" ignorance

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[Bill Harris]

EGD, I tried to find you another "all-sky" seasonal chart to orient yourself with, but no luck.

However, this will be a piece of cake. Face north. Polaris, The North Star is left of center in your chart, labeled "alpha UMi". Down, and to the left of that, is the constellation Cassiopeia, which looks like the letter W. You'll see the Big Dipper in the upper right, just opposite Polaris from Cassiopeia. Go up from Cassiopeia and you'll see a pentagon of stars, that is Auriga, and it contains the brigh yellow star, Capella. Your chart shows the Stardust re-entry starting between Cassiopeia and Auriga. That ought to be in the NNW. It will go across the northern quadrant of the sky, and pass below a bright orange star in the NW, named Arcturus. Get to your location and make sure that you have a clear view from Cassiopeia to Arcturus.

Good luck!

--Bill