Have you ever had troubles showing someone a particular star in the sky, or an object far out in the distance? Trying to describe it but never being sure whether the other person really was looking at the same thing as you? I did. And others had the same troubles with me. Alas, there is a solution! I've read this is Annie Proulx's Shipping News (London : Fourth Estate, 2002. pg. 369): - Two men are on the sea shore, looking at something in the distance - "There! See that!" Yark gripped Quoyle's wrist, drew his arm out to follow his own, pointing northeast into the bay. That's it! If you want to show someone something in the distance, stand right next to them, reach for their hand, direct it so that it will point to that thing in the distance. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Except that doesn't really work in practice, because their eyes aren't looking at exactly the same thing as yours. That can only give a general direction, within maybe 5 or 10 degrees. With stars that's just not precise enough.
I've tried it, and for the things I was trying to point out, it worked well enough. Still vastly better than any other handy method that I know of.
How about using digital camera, is that possible? Then point out the exact star/object on the display, to make sure other see the same one.
You can point at stars very effectively with a torch beam. There's usually enough moisture in the clear night air to show the path of light. It works! My dad used to stand behind me and use two arms, one on each side of my face to point out birds or distant objects. Also works quite well.
