Finding stars in Celestia with telescopic coordinates?

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Finding stars in Celestia with telescopic coordinates?

Post #1by Guest » 20.12.2002, 18:55

I registered a star as a Christmas present for my fiancee. I've gotten the certificate which gives the telescopic coordinates, but I can't figure out how to find the star in Celestia. Can anyone help?

Thanks much :)
jack

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selden
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Post #2by selden » 20.12.2002, 19:28

Jack,

There are several different ways to locate a star that's in Celestia.
Don't forget, however, that the stars that Celestia shows are all stars that have had their distances measured by Hipparcos. There are many stars that are not included. If you happen to have one that's a variable, too far away, or too dim, it might not be included.

1) Turn on rendering of the "Celestial Grid". That'll show a pattern of Right Ascensiion and Declination positions on the sky. That should help you get in the right area of the sky, at least.

1A) turn on rendering of the Constellation borders, which also might help.

2) Type its Hipparcos designation (HIP nnnn) to the GoTo or Select menus
3) Type its Henry Draper designation (HD nnnn)

I hope this helps a little.
Selden

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Post #3by billybob884 » 20.12.2002, 20:47

around how much does it cost to register a star?
Mike M.

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selden
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Post #4by selden » 20.12.2002, 21:12

However much the traffic will bear. Typically $50-$100.

Don't forget that these registry services have no relationship whatsoever with the International Astronomical Union, which is the only organization permitted to actually name astronomical objects (and they don't charge a cent). These registrations are only kept in the companies' own personal databases. The names they gather will never be used in professional databases, nor will they be used on maps available from professional astronomical sources. (Unless the recipient actually becomes professionally involved to the extent that they are so honored by their peers in the IAU.) Similar registrations are available for craters on various bodies in the solar system. The certificates are a neat gift, though.
Selden

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Post #5by Sum0 » 20.12.2002, 21:15

Check out this page... it's generally not what is promised.
http://home.columbus.rr.com/starfaq/
"I have been asked, 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."

Guest

Post #6by Guest » 21.12.2002, 05:45

No HIP or HD designation was provided unfortunately. I had turned on the constellation outlines but I hadn't tried the celestial grid. The coordinates they gave were the right ascention and the declination so that has been somewhat helpful, but I put away the certificate without writing them down and she's home now so it's not safe to double check ;) The only other information they gave on the certificate is the magnitude.

For what it's worth, I was aware of the semi-official nature of such a purchase (if you're willing to go that far), but it seemed like a unique way to honor her late father and I have no problem with having spent the money.

jack


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