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Astronomy/What is the brightest star or planet in the texas sky?

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Expert: - 9/6/2009


Question
What is the brightest star or planet in the Texas sky?

Thanks David

Answer
Hi David,
1. THE SUN (rises at sunrise)...at -26.7 magnitude  (the sun is a star).
2. Venus rises in east about 2 hours before sunrise...at -4th magnitude
3. Jupiter in the SE sky at sunset...at -2.8 magnitude
4. Sirius (Dog star) rises low in the SE, about 30 minutes before Venus...at -1.5 magnitude

(The moon would be #2 following the sun, but you didn't include satellites).
Note: Magnitude is a reverse scale...the lower the number, the brighter the object.
Hope this helps,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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