How difficult (or easy) is it to see Uranus with the naked eye

Forums Uranus How difficult (or easy) is it to see Uranus with the naked eye

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  • #621195
    Adam Fairhead
    Participant

    My question is how difficult (or easy) is it to see Uranus with the naked eye, because I think I just did that.
    I had always assumed that you would need to be in the Sarah Desert before it became visible. But last weekend I was in rural Wales with no artificial light. The sky was clear (but not brilliantly clear). Having located the planet in binoculars, I knew exactly where it was. And looking the same direction, with adverted vision, I could just about see a star-like object. It could not have been one of the other nearby stars, as Uranus was the brightest object in its near-field of view.
    I was surprised, as I am 66 and have had cataract operations on both eyes, so my sight is not what it was 50 years ago. But I’m pretty sure that what I could see was Uranus.
    Have any other members had similar experiences?

    #621263
    Dave Smith
    Participant

    I have seen it naked eye at Kelling Heath in Norfolk approx 6 years ago. I was in my mid 70s at the time. I suspect rural Wales is darker than Kelling so Uranus should be easier.

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