Re: [OT] Astronomical Inquiry (actually another one)

Beth Fulton wrote:

> G'day Tom,
>
> >   Consider this, the diameter of the Earth's orbit is greater
> >than the difference between the diameter's of the earth's and
> >Mars' orbits.  Therefore the change in position of the Earth
> >every 6 months will have a greater effect on how the constellations
> >will look than going from the Earth to Mars will.   Without using
> >instruments that can make precise measurments, you won't see any
> >difference on Mars than on Earth.
>
> Mmmm. so this would mean you could use the same 'traditional' means of
> navigation (North star, southern cross etc) anywhere in the solar
system, yes?

    No, just because the celestial sphere is (relatively) fixed, the
inclination
of the planets will vary.  Therefore, Polaris will move in an alien sky.

-Mike

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