Job Discussion Forums

[stevepip]

I want to drive out from Riyadh and see the stars under a truly dark sky. Anyone any idea of how far I would have to travel to really get into the desert?

Steve

[ultraman111]

Sorry no idea as Ive never been there.


However, the stars were out in their millions last night. The night sky was absolutely brilliant. I saw all of the milky way, the southern cross, the big dipper and little dipper, half a moon...etc etc.

This was from Australia. I doubt if it can be beaten in the desert, but Id like to check it out one day. Desert party, with lots of bikini girls.

[Bebsi]

[desert_traveller]

...

[johnslat]

Dear desert_traveller,

100 km seemed a little far to me - I can recall driving about 50 km out and getting a stupendous view.

So I googled, and this is what I found:

"At ten miles from the city limits, the city glow is only 1% of the strength that it is at a distance of 1 mile. Thus, it will not hamper your ability to see the cosmic fireworks. If you were able to get out to 25 miles from the nearest city, that would decrease it to absolute zero effect of the city halos as the cities would then be beyond the curvature of the earth from your location.

In case you are curious about the 1% statement above, I shall explain. The intensity of light on a surface is indirectly proportional to the square of the change in distance from the original position. In other words, we can say that at 1 unit of distance, the intensity is 1. At 2 units of distance, the intensity would be 1/4, or 0.25. At 5 units of distance, it would be 1/25, or 0.04."

http://askville.amazon.com/city-meteor-shower/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=6528207

Admittedly, math isn't my strong point, but it sounds right to me.

Regards,
John

[EnglishDoYouSpeakIt]

John is correct, no need to travel so far for the experience. When returning from Kharj to Riyadh at night I often stop for ten minutes or so between the two cities (but closer to the much smaller Kharj) and enjoy the view, even from the highway it is quite nice.

I'd also like to add that there is a quality telescope shop on King Abdullah Road, if you're heading west, on the right side before you reach exit...7? Astronomy is a great hobby to take up out here, On clear nights when the moon isn't too luminous the desert is a great place to spot celestial objects. two or three thousand riyals can get you a decent scope.

Side note: June 5th is the last time any of us will get a chance to see the transit of Venus, so don't miss that.

[sharter]

Best views I ever saw where in the Sahara. Awesome.......shooting stars were amazing...and frequeunt.