Can telescopes see more stars than our eyes?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the comparative observational capabilities of telescopes versus the human eye in astronomy. It highlights that telescopes can collect significantly more light due to their larger apertures, allowing for the observation of fainter stars that are not visible to the naked eye. The conversation also touches on the scientific accuracy required for a fantasy writer's narrative regarding distances to celestial objects like Orion and the Pleiades. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding light collection and brightness in astronomical observations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic astronomy concepts, including constellations and celestial distances.
  • Familiarity with the principles of light collection and brightness in telescopes.
  • Knowledge of the human eye's anatomy, specifically pupil size and its effect on light sensitivity.
  • Basic mathematical skills for calculating brightness and light intensity.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the light-gathering power of telescopes versus the human eye.
  • Learn about the distances to major constellations, specifically Orion and the Pleiades.
  • Explore the physics of light and how it affects visibility in astronomy.
  • Investigate the role of aperture size in telescope design and its impact on observational astronomy.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, writers of science fiction, and students studying physics or astronomy who seek to enhance their understanding of celestial observations and the capabilities of telescopes.

Bamba
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Hello everybody!How are you?I need some help on those problems to be solved.Can you help me please?

1.There are 3 pictures-A goat and a fish.Which parts do you need to mix to create a mythical creature?On the third pic there is a Horse.What more should be aded to create a constellation that is again a mythical creature and it a symbol of poetry?


2. A writer is finishing his fantasy book and he does not know how to continue.''By powering the most powerful engines the starship left the Earth Orbit and aimed his way.A man of the crew asked question 1-Aproximatly how far is Orion?Question 2-''How far are the Pleyades?''
If you were there which variant would you advise the writer to choose in order to be scientificaly correct?

3.When we look through a telescope it seems like we see with a gigantic eye which seems that its pupil is as big as the objective of the telescope and it collects much more light than our eye.Calculate aproximetly how less bright stars we could see if we look trough that telescope than the less bright stars we see with our normal eyes.The human pupil becomes 6 mm when in darkness.
 
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WOW...so many people here that study astronomy and no one can solve this...pathetic :D
 
As this looks like homework, you should post it in the one of the Homework forums (probably Introductory Physics), showing your working so far as explained in the rules.
 

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