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Northern vs Southern Hemisphere viewing


Chaven

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For a planet at any point along the Ecliptic, the maximum altitude (above the horizon) it can reach will vary depending on which hemisphere you're in. 

So - when Jupiter and Saturn were both in Sagittarius a couple of years ago, you would have had better views from the Southern Hemisphere. Whereas when they are in the constellations Taurus or Gemini, they'll be at higher altitude (and therefore visible through less atmosphere) when viewed from the Northern Hemisphere. 

Another factor that might affect visibility (but on a more localised basis) is what the atmosphere is doing.  For me at about 50 degrees North, this is generally led by the position of the Jet Stream at the time - if it loops over across the UK it can reduce the stability of viewing.  

ETA with regard to the latter point - the very well regarded planetary imager Damian Peach, very often uses a telescope in Barbados as that offers a stable atmosphere

Edited by Gfamily
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To add, at the moment Jupiter is almost exactly on the celestial equator, meaning the viewing is the same at equal northern and southern hemisphere latitudes. But the closer to Earth's equator you are, the higher Jupiter will appear and therefore if all else is equal the better the views. In practice unless you are in Arctic or Antarctica the weather and seeing will matter more.

Currently Mars is somewhat north, and Saturn somewhat south.

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Potchefstroom is around 27 degrees South latitude. The planets will be significantly higher than what we see in the UK, so less atmosphere to observe through.

However, you have the Jetstream in the Southern hemisphere to worry about! 

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