(SNES) Daytime Planet Sighting Primer

["Les Lytton" <Starman@SAMnet.net>]

Hi Les,

Wanted to say thank you very much for the excellent information you provided.
I have successfully seen both Venus and Jupiter with my unaided eye in the
daytime, but have not seen Mercury, Mars, or Saturn.  I remember reading some
time in the dim past about the saccades twitch, but had long forgotten the
term.  I can very much attest to its effects however, in my many unsuccessful
attempts at watching for a daytime Iridium flare.  Every 60 seconds or so, I
find that I have to reevaluate where I am looking, because I suddenly realize
that my line of sight has drifted quite a distance from where I first started.
The effect is extremely subtle, and is happening without my awareness.  I'm
sure that this drifting can be controlled to a high degree if there were some
reference point at infinity in the sky to allow you to be more aware of when
your vision drifts.  Unfortunately, a good reference point is not normally
available when watching for a daytime Iridium, as they most commonly occur
within 15 - 20 degrees of the sun.  Even if the moon is nearby, it is only an
extremely thin crescent one day old or less, and cannot normally be seen in
the sun's glare either.

After reading your well written primer, I'm thoroughly convinced that it is a
combination of having nothing to focus on at infinity (and the subsequent loss
of contrast), along with the pesky saccades drift problem.  Now that I've said
all this, does anyone have any suggestions to help overcome these problems
while trying to spot a daytime Iridium?  I normally hold a piece of cardboard
alongside my face to act as a sun shield, while also wearing a pair of neutral
density gray sun glasses to cut the sky glare and improve contrast.  Alas, so
far, neither of these tools seems to be adequate....  You'd think something as
bright as -7 mag would stand out boldly!!

Thank you for the quick response to my request Les.  You provided lotsa good
info there, and have helped me to become more aware of the nature of the
problems that must be overcome.  Now, to find a way to do so....

Les Lytton
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