What we can (and can’t) see from our observatory

In most cases, visual astronomy observations are best when objects are 10 degrees or higher above the flat horizon.

For a fuller explanation of why, ask one of our friendly volunteers, but be prepared for the possibility of some basic physics and math to be mentioned.

North

To the north we have the observatory building itself, and a couple of tall trees limiting us to about 15 degrees above the horizon.  The Earth’s rotation has little effect to the north, so we can either view it, or we can’t.

East

However, we have some natural (and one man made) obstructions that limit this some more.  To our east, we have tall trees that limit our view to about 20o above the horizon.  With the Earth’s rotation, it takes about 1h 30m for objects to come into out field of view from their predicted rise time.

South

This brings us to the south.  Our southern obstructions are generally below that pesky 10o, but due to the earth’s rotation anything that you can’t see now will be high in the sky in just a couple of months, with some dipping out of view for a little while.  Objects to the south are the ones that just go round and round the sky with them being positioned relative to the South Celestial Pole.

West

To the west we have ‘The Rock’ itself limiting us to about 20o above the horizon which means we loose objects behind it 1h 30m before their predicted set time.

This still leaves us plenty of wonderful open sky full of marvelous wonders that are constantly, if not slowly, changing all year round.