Astronomy Picture of the Day -- How to Identify that Light in the Sky

NASA ^ | June 09, 2014 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: What is that light in the sky? Perhaps one of humanity's more common questions, an answer may result from a few quick observations. For example -- is it moving or blinking? If so, and if you live near a city, the answer is typically an airplane, since planes are so numerous and so few stars and satellites are bright enough to be seen over the din of artificial city lights. If not, and if you live far from a city, that bright light is likely a planet such as Venus or Mars -- the former of which is constrained to appear near the horizon just before dawn or after dusk. Sometimes the low apparent motion of a distant airplane near the horizon makes it hard to tell from a bright planet, but even this can usually be discerned by the plane's motion over a few minutes. Still unsure? The above chart gives a sometimes-humorous but mostly-accurate assessment. Dedicated sky enthusiasts will likely note -- and are encouraged to provide -- polite corrections.

[SunkenCiv]

[Credit & Copyright: HK (The League of Lost Causes)]

[SunkenCiv]

Well, this is the sorriest excuse for an APoD that they've ever had.

join or quit list APoD 'blog post new APoD topic Astronomy Picture of the Day topic & keyword Astronomy Chat, Bloggers & keyword Science Chat, Bloggers & keyword NASA's APoD archive Calendar 1995-present APoD on your desktop

[dragnet2]

Is it attached to a boat?

Are your retinas burning??

WAF!

[BenLurkin]

There’s something missing from that chart....

[MarineBrat]

Chortle!

[BigEdLB]

"Aircraft? Aircraft my arse. Do I look like a United airlines 777 pilot to you? There is a branch missing on that tree."

[shibumi]

And if you look up and see this guy .....

[TheOldLady]

Aw, Mr. Civilizations! Let them have a little fun once in a while.

And if your retinas are burning, you may not be doing any star gazing, ever again.

[blueunicorn6]

I looked at that chart, and it was like a whole new world opened up to me.
Now, I’m busy making up my own charts.

How To Identify That Stuff At The Back Of The Refrigerator

How To Identify Whatever’s Stuck On The Bottom Of Your Shoe

How To Identify Al Franken In A Sewage Pond Full Of Turds

[Oratam]

Have you recently suffered a blow to the head?

[SunkenCiv]

I think that Al Franken search may be too challenging.

[SunkenCiv]

;’)

[Salamander]

[The Cajun]

Shouldn't there be a, “Oh crap, Betelgeuse just went supernova”, square?

Just asking :)

[Conan the Librarian]

But this is actually a very useful flowchart.

Don’t be too harsh. :)

Is it perfect? No. Is it useful yes.

I got a laugh out of it anyway, and, after the day I have been having, I needed it!

So, thanks for the laugh!

[SunkenCiv]

:’)

[SunkenCiv]

:’)