biggest noob question ever...

[jimmym123]

how do i find the polaris

i know im in the right area of the sky when i set up my camera cause the trails turn out perfect. i just dont know which one it is so im lost looking for stars/constellations/planets etc. right now mel and mel having to use ursa major as a start point then go from there. i know the end of the 'handle' on ursa minor is the polaris....i just can't find it in the first place

Jimmy

[Merlin66]

If you've got a pair of binoculars use them to Star hop your way across to the pole star.

I assume you have a star atlas or Stellarium, or Cart du Ciel to help you.

[astoc]

If you can see ursa major, then you will no doubt be able to see the two bright stars in the upper left and right corners of the 'pan'/'square' - I believe the one on the right is called Dubhe. These stars form a straight line pointing almost directly towards polaris to the left.

Hope that helps. If i'm right its my first helpful post! lol

John

[Cornelius Varley]

Stellarium is a good way to find your way around the night sky. here is a screen shot of where Ursa Major and Cassiopeia are at the moment. Follow Merak and Dubhe in Ursa Major till you find Polaris.

Peter

[jimmym123]

thanks for the help guys! it seems so easy now. if only the sky was clear tonight i'd be out there now getting my barings and start to get somewhere with it lol

thanks again

jimmy

[Astro_Baby]

Easy way I find is

Face North

Keep your head level and look straight ahead

Now keep your head level and rotate your eyeballs to their max angle upwards

The star you see at max rotation is Polaris.

Another way is follow the pan of the big dipper and trace a line up.

Polaris is halfway to the big W of Casseopia