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Chapter 14: Problem 55

If you have access to a large telescope, make arrangements to view Neptune. Like Uranus, Neptune is best seen at or near opposition and can most easily be found using a star chart. Can you see a disk? What is its color?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, Neptune can be seen as a small disk with a telescope. Its color appears as blue or cyan due to the presence of methane in its atmosphere.

Step by step solution

01

Finding Best Time to View Neptune

Neptune can best be seen at or near the opposition, which is when it is almost directly opposite the Sun in the sky and fully illuminated by the Sun. Look up an astronomical calendar to find the date when Neptune will be at or near the opposition.
02

Preparation for Viewing

Prior to viewing, it's crucial to find a location with less light pollution and clear weather for a better viewing experience. A star chart can be of great help in locating Neptune among the plethora of heavenly bodies.
03

Using the Telescope

Point your telescope toward the direction where Neptune is located according to your star chart. Adjust the telescope focus until Neptune is clear. Make sure to take your time to properly focus because Neptune is far away and it will appear small in the telescope.
04

Observation of Neptune

Observe the planet through the telescope. Neptune, though small, should appear as a disk - its color should be a sort of blue or cyan, due to the methane in its atnmosphere.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Some scientists are discussing the possibility of placing spacecraft in orbit about Uranus and Neptune. What kinds of data should be collected, and what questions would you like to see answered by these missions?

. If Triton had been formed along with Neptune rather than having been captured, would you expect it to be in a prograde or retrograde orbit? Would you expect the satellite to show signs of tectonic activity? Explain your answers.

Separation of Pluto and Charon. Pluto is located about 4.5 billion km from Earth and has a maximum observable separation from Charon of about 0.9 arcseconds. Access the AIMM (Active Integrated Media Module) called “Small-Angle Toolbox” in Chapter 1 of the Universe Web site or eBook. Use this AIMM and the above data to determine the distance between Pluto and Charon. How does your answer compare with the value given in the text?

Why are fewer white clouds seen on Uranus and Neptune than on Jupiter and Saturn?

How can astronomers distinguish a faint solar system object like Pluto from background stars within the same field of view?
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