>.< Star Gazing

[XTTX]

Well If anybody lives near or in Manlius, New York. I need to see the stars from my house, but they are not visible. Basicallly I need to know, what part of the moon is luminous, and the position of the big dipper (while pointing north). Thanks for anybody who wants to help. I can pay in Xcash, about 100 per question (once it is back). Also I need 5 of the big dipper, and 5 of the phases of the moon. Also please post the time, date, and location.

[Fiz]

Well, I can tell you that the moon is full right now, as of 2:30 AM Eastern Time on October 27th (early Wednesday). The Big Dipper can be found close to the north horizon, below Polaris (the North Star).

There are actually more than 5 moon phases. They go like this: Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent, New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, and Waxing Gibbous. Then it starts over again. (Waxing is when the moon is becoming more visible, and waning is when it becomes less visible. Gibbous just means that its bulgy...the opposite of a crescent moon)

I don't know what you mean by 5 of the Big Dipper...there are really 4 positions for the Big Dipper, which correspond to its position during each of the seasons.

If you need further help, let me know with more detail. Good luck! :)

[DarkReality]

Possibly 5 stars that make up the big dipper? o.O Are they even named, or do they only have technical names composed of letters and numbers?

[Fiz]

Nope, they have names. The handle is made up of Alcaid, Mizar (and Alcor, its companion), and Alioth. The bowl has 4 stars...Megrez, Dubhe, Merak, and Phecda.

[XTTX]

Well today was the lunar eclipse. =D and i could see the stars for once. But I couldn't locate the big dipper. The moon was located due east Way up high. About where would the big dipper be if I was looking north

[Fiz]

It would be close the horizon. If there are too many buildings or trees in the way, you may not be able to see it.

[DarkReality]

Nope, they have names. The handle is made up of Alcaid, Mizar (and Alcor, its companion), and Alioth. The bowl has 4 stars...Megrez, Dubhe, Merak, and Phecda.

*blinks*

You mean to tell me you know the names of most common constellations? Or is the Big Dipper an exception? Or did you look them up? :-p

[Fiz]

Hehe, no...I only know a handful by heart. The other ones I would use an astronomy program I have from my astrophysics courses in University. The Big Dipper is one of the ones I know off hand.