Atmospheric Extinction of Light

AI Thread Summary
A 2,000 candelas red light source's visibility distance in a normal rural atmosphere can vary significantly based on factors like time of day, weather, and location. The discussion highlights that atmospheric conditions, including dust and humidity, play a crucial role in light extinction. Specific calculations for visibility require detailed data on these environmental variables. The impact of daylight conditions, similar to how the Sun obscures stars, is also noted. Overall, precise visibility distance cannot be determined without more specific situational context.
MK-IV
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If I have a 2,000 candelas red light source under normal rural atmospheric conditions at what distance would I expect the source to no longer be visible to the eye?
 
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Are you assuming an atmosphere that is almost completely free of dust and other particles that would also absorb the light?
 
I am assuming a normal rural atmosphere in the western United States containing dusts with a relatively low humidity component.
 
MK-IV said:
I am assuming a normal rural atmosphere in the western United States containing dusts with a relatively low humidity component.

Hrmm. I can't help you out, but hopefully someone else can.
 
MK-IV said:
If I have a 2,000 candelas red light source under normal rural atmospheric conditions at what distance would I expect the source to no longer be visible to the eye?

At first glance, it would seem that this may depend on the time of day. In the way that the Sun blinds us from stars.
 
I have no idea where to actually get sufficient data to compute this, but from visibility requirements I remember from flight training, I could tell you that the answer would vary greatly with weather, season, and location. So if you need a specific answer, you are going to have to provide more specific situation.
 
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