Page 89 - All About Space 68 - 2017 UK

STARGAZER
How to find Neptune

Find an ice giant's blue glow

Neptune will appear small, even in larger scopes, so you will need to be meticulous

A good-quality star chart, or printout from some view you can see with your eyepiece so that you can
desktop planetarium software of the field in which draw it on the chart. Start with Lambda Aquarii and
Neptune lays, is almost essential. In early September slowly move towards Neptune, making sure that you Send your photos to
it can be found a few degrees southeast of the star can recognise the stars on your star chart. Increase space@spaceanswers.com
lambda Aquarii. It's helpful to work out the field of the magnification to see it well once you've located it.

Timing is everything Plug in a low-to-medium If in doubt, use a star map
Avoid looking for Neptune on the 4 or 5 power eyepiece Try to memorise the stars in the area of Lambda
1September at actual opposition, as the Moon will 2Use a large-aperture eyepiece to give a 3Aquarii in the constellation of Aquarius as you
be bright and its light will interfere with optimum reasonable field of view. This will help you recognise look through your telescope to compare them with
viewing conditions. the stars that rest close to the ice giant. your chart.

Slew your telescope Use coloured filters for contrast Punch up the magnification
Gently move your instrument, which should You can use a yellow/green, green or magenta Once you have found Neptune, increase the
4have a medium aperture, towards where you 5filter to enhance the view and increase the 6magnification by replacing your ‘locator’
believe Neptune to be, referring to your chart along contrast of the planet. This will make it easier to eyepiece with one with a small aperture, to reveal the
the way. resolve the disc. planet’s disc.

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