BBC Focus Magazine

[WebbMac]

Whilst standing in my back garden having a smoke (01:25, Kent, England) , I noticed a "star" that was orange-white in colour as opposed to the usual blue-white colour of normal stars. I was wondering if it was a satellite or some such rather than a star. Any thoughts?

[M Paul Lloyd]

Not all 'stars' are blue-white Webb, indeed the vast majority are on the yellow side it is just our planets atmosphere that gives them that 'blue/white' tint. Chances are you may have been looking at one of the redder giant stars which would appear a bit on the orange side.

However not all stars are distant suns and it is altogether possible that you were actually looking at Mars, which appears as a distinctly orange point of light to the East (if memory serves) at this time of year.

[...]

yes WebbMac, MPL is probably correct with his assumption that it may have been Mars, after consulting stellarium i can confirm that Mars was about 40 degrees up in the ESE at 01.25 this morning and is very orange/red in appearance.

[M Paul Lloyd]

Thanks for input ... aka @@ I have to admit I didn't have time to check it properly, I used to defer to Redshift for such info' but I find it rather cumbersome these days.

I have to admit that the rate at which technology advances is starting to get the better of me.