Southern hemisphere flickering orange/green star

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In summary, the conversation was about someone noticing a flickering star in their backyard and trying to determine if it was a star or a satellite. They also asked for the nearest city and the direction of the object. The conversation then shifted to discussing the possibility of the object being an aircraft, the duration of the observation, and the clarity of the air. Finally, the conversation mentioned the use of astronomy apps, particularly Distant Suns, to identify celestial objects. There were also links provided for other helpful astronomy apps and an interesting article about the history of Distant Suns.
  • #1
BilbobagginsINSPACE
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Hey, I was in my backyard and I noticed a star that was flickering orange, green and white, at about 30 degrees above the horizon, at 8:27 AEST in the afternoon on 20/11. Is it a star or a satellite, and more specifically, which one?
 
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  • #2
What is your nearest city? Also, which direction was it approximately.
 
  • #3
BilbobagginsINSPACE said:
I noticed a star that was flickering orange, green and white, at about 30 degrees above the horizon,
Could it have been red, green and white? Those are the typical colors of aircraft lights. How long did you watch it? Did it move at all during the time you were watching? How clear was the air between you and this object (much pollution?)? Can you estimate how far away it was?

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  • #4

Related to Southern hemisphere flickering orange/green star

1. What causes the orange and green flickering of stars in the southern hemisphere?

The flickering of stars in the southern hemisphere is caused by a phenomenon known as atmospheric scintillation. This is the result of turbulent air in Earth's atmosphere, which causes the light from stars to appear to twinkle or flicker.

2. Is the flickering of stars in the southern hemisphere different from that in the northern hemisphere?

Yes, the flickering of stars in the southern hemisphere is slightly different from that in the northern hemisphere. This is due to differences in the Earth's atmosphere and the location of the observer. In general, stars in the southern hemisphere appear to have more pronounced flickering due to the location of the South Pole and the rotation of the Earth.

3. Can the flickering of stars in the southern hemisphere be seen with the naked eye?

Yes, the flickering of stars in the southern hemisphere can be seen with the naked eye. However, it may be more difficult to detect in areas with high levels of light pollution. To get a better view, it is recommended to use a telescope or binoculars.

4. Are there any specific stars in the southern hemisphere known for their flickering colors?

Yes, there are a few stars in the southern hemisphere that are known for their colorful flickering. One example is the star Antares, which is known for its flickering orange and green colors. Other stars such as Betelgeuse and Rigel in the constellation Orion also exhibit vibrant flickering.

5. Does the flickering of stars in the southern hemisphere have any scientific significance?

While the flickering of stars in the southern hemisphere may be a beautiful sight to behold, it does not have any scientific significance. However, studying the variations in the flickering of stars can provide valuable information about the Earth's atmosphere and can aid in the development of advanced astronomical instruments.

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