Uranus and Neptune?

[Manok101]

I was wondering when the best viewing conditions for these two? I think I've seen Uranus as a small blue dot below Jupiter earlier this year. Would Neptune look like a smaller dot? And would it be visible in a 10" reflector?

[Demonperformer]

Yes, they both appear as smallish dots. Both would be visible in a 10" reflector (or even binoculars:)).

[Debostar]

I have never seen Neptune, but I think I have seen Uranus, as a faint star with a greening hint to it....I don't think that Neptune would be visible in my scope...

[swamp thing]

Hi

I always find Neptune easier to find, as the disc always appears more colourful than Uranus to me.

Most people find the other way round.

You should have no problem resolving the disc with your 10"

Regards Steve

[lukebl]

Both are too close to the sun right now. They will become progressively more visible in the morning over the next few months, and will become visible again in the evening during Aug/Sept

[Demonperformer]

Debostar

You should be able to see Neptune (when not "too close to the sun") with a 130 instrument. My animation was taken with my 102 (http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-planetary/110714-project-august.html).

[Debostar]

thanks DP I am looking forward to that once my 3 mm EP comes along...

[Porl]

Great info!! I cant wait for august/september so i can have a go at spotting them

[Demonperformer]

FWIW, I found spending time with CdC (or Stellarium would do) helped me enormously in identifying Neptune. I had the (very recognizable) star pattern firmly fixed in my mind before I got to the eyepiece.

Quick look at CdC: first half of July it will form a cross with 38Aqr at the opposite side, moving across the field to form the cross on about 8th - should make it nice and easy to identify (centre e/p on TYC 5806-894-1). There are probably much better examples during the summer, but that gives you an idea of what I mean.

HTH

[Debostar]

how blue is Neptune....Uranus seemed to be like greenish or turquiose