Finder charts for Uranus
and Neptune
It is often thought that the fainter outer Gas
Giants of Uranus & Neptune require a telescope to view them but that
is not the case. Like most things it is more a case of knowing when &
where to look that is the key to success and it is hoped that these charts
will guide the observer in finding them. Uranus lies in Aquarius and
so is higher placed along the ecliptic compared with Neptune which is currently
located in Capricornus. Use the wide field constellation context chart here to find the
general area then the more detailed charts below to home in on their positions
more accurately (click on the chart
for a larger view).
Both charts use the same guidelines
as the Jupiter/Saturn charts for retrograde and prograde motion, solar conjunction
and time when they are not easily observable. Uranus lies in Aquarius throughout
the year and if you use Chi and Phi Aquarii as a guide then the
chart here should serve to locate it. It begins the year in the evening sky
but by early February is too low in the twilight to be seen and reaches Solar
Conjunction on March 8th. As it moves into the morning sky it should become
visible by late April. It reaches a Stationary point on June 27th after which
it begins retrograde motion. Uranus reaches Opposition on September 13th
and is visible all night shining at magnitude 5.7 so well placed to view.
It continues retrograding until it reaches another Stationary point on November
28th after which it returns to normal (prograde) motion. Uranus can be spotted
with the naked eye from a very dark location and a good clear night sky.
The lower right inset on the chart is an image of Uranus taken at COAA with
a webcam and a 12” Newtonian Reflector on August 18th 2006.
Meanwhile Neptune lies lower down the ecliptic in Capricornus.
At the start of 2008 it is quickly lost in the evening twilight with Solar
Conjunction on February 11th. It crawls out of the morning twilight by late
March but will not be easy at this time. It reaches a Stationary point
on May 26th and begins to retrograde. During the Summer it gradually becomes
better placed to view but in light skies. Neptune is at Opposition on August
15th at magnitude 7.8 and so is visible all night. Retrograde motion ends
when it reaches its Stationary point on November 2nd when once again prograde
motion is resumed and it remains visible in the evening sky until the end
of the year. Because of the easily identifiable field of stars above Delta
and Gamma Capricornus you should be able to find Neptune quite well with
binoculars.
Telescopic observers
should also attempt to get the brighter Moons of both planets. I have observed
Triton at Neptune and Oberon and Titania at Uranus with a 10” Newtonian
Reflector and have suspected Arial at Uranus as well. There’s no room here
to give charts for these moons but often the national Astronomy magazines
have them when the parent planets are at their best so why not have a go at observing
Uranus and Neptune and their moons if you have the equipment!
Good observing!
Webmaster ãPaul L Money 2008
