planet location

[petermartin5]

Can anyone recommend a " beginners "book or literature that will enable me to locate the planets. ?

As I am new to this I am looking for something that hopefully is not too technical!!

Thanks, Pete

[spudicus]

Hi Pete,

If you download the free software from this website

http://stellarium.sourceforge.net/

You'll be able to determine the position of the planets from your location at any given time and date. Hope this helps.

Spud

[FLO]

Hi Pete,

Caz is right; any of the StarryNight astro software packs will do the job well.

(The most basic version often appears on the Sky@Night magazine cover-disk or enter our Review Competition for a chance to win one of the Pro versions 8))

Steve

[GazOC]

To me, Starry Night is the one that gives the views that look most like what you acually see while standing in your backgarden.

[The Warthog]

You need to take a little time with a Starfinder (Planisphere) or current star chart (available in the current issue of any astronomical magazine,) and learn the skies. All it takes is repetition - go out and identify stuff until you don't need to look at the chart quite so much. The planets are pretty obvious, as Mercury through Saturn are usually very bright compared to the stars. Following the current star charts will keep you current on which is which, and where they are.

It's just a matter of doing it.

[daz]

If it's definitly a book you want - Turn Left at Orion - been reading it non-stop since Crimbo.

Very good