Star in the Northeast

[sunoverla]

I live in Los Angeles, CA.<br /><br />Last night (11/17) at 6:00pm PT, there was a bright star twinkling red and blue in the Northeast sky. About two clenched fist up from the horizon.<br /><br />I know it isn't Mars, but can you help find out what star it is?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Philip

 

[harmonicaman]

It's Mars! Deal with it...<img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />Someone will stomp me for sure if I'm wrong, but I'm betting it's Mars - the location and time are just right for Mars. <br /><br />Note that the twinkling and color shifting you observed are due to normal atmospheric distortions; if you have any questions about this phenomenon, I can give you links which explain "Seeing" conditions in detail. Best wishes!

 

[sunoverla]

I see Mars (directly East and looks reddish orange.) <br />The star I'm talking about is to the left of Mars.

 

[nevers]

I'd venture to say it's Capella - a star in the constellation Auriga.

 

[rodrunner79]

I live in southern LA., I saw the same thing, I was playing golf last night and when I looked up towards downtown L.A. I saw something bright, it was unusual because we don't normally see stars that bright in L.A. with all the pollution here. I assumed it was Mars.

 

[eosophobiac]

I'm going with NEVERS - it seems most likely to be Capella.<br />You can do a quick check here: http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/skychart/article_1220_1.asp#<br />Just select "change location", plug in your info, and you'll see the sky from where ever you are.<br />Happy sky-looking! <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[markj_87]

I'd definitely say Capella too. Very bright at almost 0 magnitude and visible all night at this time of year. Has to be that really.