Locating Planets in Sky Using Manual Calculations

TL;DR

This paper presents a straightforward manual method to locate naked-eye planets in the sky with about 1-degree accuracy, using simple calculations and basic tools, making planetary observation accessible without advanced technology.

Contribution

It introduces a simple three-step manual technique for locating planets, requiring only basic initial data and minimal tools, which is novel in its simplicity and accessibility.

Findings

Achieves approximately 1-degree accuracy in planet location

Uses only basic tools like a scale and protractor

Simplifies planetary observation for amateurs

Abstract

In this article, we describe a very simple technique to locate naked-eye planets in the sky, to an accuracy of $\sim 1^{\circ}$. The procedure, comprising just three steps, involves very simple manual calculations for planetary orbits around the Sun; all one needs are the initial specifications of planetary positions for some standard epoch and the time periods of their revolutions. After applying a small correction for the orbital ellipticity, appearance of a planet relative to Sun's position in sky, as seen by an observer from Earth, is found using a scale and a protractor (found inside a school geometry box).