the nasa star finder charts are constructed based on the visible night sky 34 degrees north latitude about as far north of the equator as los angeles, California. will the constellations on the star finder chart shift in the sky if you observe the night skty from further south?

1 answer

Yes, the constellations on the star finder chart will appear to shift in the sky if you observe from a location further south than 34 degrees north latitude.

The night sky changes depending on your latitude due to the curvature of the Earth. As you move south, constellations that are located in the northern hemisphere will gradually disappear from view, while southern hemisphere constellations will become more visible. For instance, if you move to a latitude closer to the equator, you will see a greater number of constellations that are typically visible only from the southern hemisphere.

At the same time, constellations that are typically visible in the northern sky, such as Ursa Major or Cassiopeia, will appear lower on the horizon and may eventually dip below the horizon entirely as you continue to move south. Conversely, southern constellations like the Southern Cross would become more prominent in your night sky.

In summary, observing the night sky from different latitudes will change the visible constellations and their positions.