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Question
Hi. I am doing research on ancient cultures and astronomy, particularily
Greece (700 - 300 BC) and Egypt (2600 - 300 BC). I am using Starry Night to
gain much of my data but I am a little confused on one issue. Starry Night
shows that Beta Centari is visible in ancient Athens yet other data claims it is
impossible. So, my question is: were alpha and beta Centari visible from
Athens, Greece during those time periods as Starry Night claims, or not?
Thanks! Erin
Erin.
I have a feeling that Starry Night may not be taking into account the precession (wobble) of the Earth's axis.
My planetarium projector takes this into account.
Let me try this in my planetarium.
Give me a couple of days and send me another e-mail.
Steve
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Answers by Expert:
Steven LJ Russo
Expertise
As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.
Experience
Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.
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