Can you see the atmosphere with you eyes or only through photos? (In space)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the atmosphere of Earth or other planets can be seen with the naked eye or only through photographs, particularly from space. Participants explore the visibility of atmospheres and compare it to the visibility of galaxies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the atmosphere can be seen, noting that Earth's blue halo is visible from space due to light scattering by atmospheric gases.
  • Others argue that while some galaxies can be seen with the naked eye, many require telescopes or long exposure photography to be visible.
  • One participant mentions that visibility of galaxies is not dependent on the atmosphere, listing several galaxies that can be seen without equipment.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the atmosphere is visible due to the refraction of sunlight by atmospheric particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the visibility of atmospheres and galaxies, with no consensus reached on the comparison between the two. Some agree that atmospheres can be seen, while others focus on the visibility of galaxies, leading to a contested discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the conditions under which atmospheres and galaxies can be seen, as well as the definitions of visibility in different contexts.

Tyrion101
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Among my favorite space photos are those in which you can see the Earth's, or other planets atmosphere, and I've always wondered if this was something like you can't see a galaxy with the naked eye, unless you use really long exposure times in your photos?
 
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Tyrion101 said:
and I've always wondered if this was something like you can't see a galaxy with the naked eye, unless you use really long exposure times in your photos?

seeing or not seeing other galaxies isn't dependent on our atmosphere
There are 4 or 5 galaxies that we can see with our naked eyes

1) our own Milky Way Galaxy
2) LMC = Large Magellanic Cloud
3) SMC = Small Magellanic Cloud
4) M32 Andromeda Galaxy
and some people with awesome eyesight in a dark location can see
5) M33 The Triangulum Galaxy

all the rest are very faint and need telescopes or very large camera telephoto lenses to see or photograph

Dave
 
Tyrion101 said:
Among my favorite space photos are those in which you can see the Earth's, or other planets atmosphere,

still considering the best way to answer this part...

OK try this I found on google ...

Blue light is scattered more than other wavelengths by the gases in the atmosphere, giving Earth a blue halo when seen from space onboard ISS at a height of 402–424 km.

Top_of_Atmosphere.jpg
how's that grab you ?
and you don't need a camera to see it ... even at around 30 - 40,000 ft in an airliner you start seeing that :smile:

cheers
Dave
 
Last edited:
davenn said:
seeing or not seeing other galaxies isn't dependent on our atmosphere
There are 4 or 5 galaxies that we can see with our naked eyes

1) our own Milky Way Galaxy
2) LMC = Large Magellanic Cloud
3) SMC = Small Magellanic Cloud
4) M32 Andromeda Galaxy
and some people with awesome eyesight in a dark location can see
5) M33 The Triangulum Galaxy

all the rest are very faint and need telescopes or very large camera telephoto lenses to see or photograph

Dave
I was referring to the non obvious galaxies, but I take your point
 
Tyrion101 said:
I was referring to the non obvious galaxies, but I take your point
I covered both scenarios :wink:
 
Maybe one day I'll make it there :). Probably not though.
 
Tyrion101 said:
Among my favorite space photos are those in which you can see the Earth's, or other planets atmosphere, and I've always wondered if this was something like you can't see a galaxy with the naked eye, unless you use really long exposure times in your photos?
Yes of course you can see atmospheres. When you set at sky you can see blue sky, which is atmosphere. It can be seen because particles or atoms on atmosphere refract sun light which let's is see atmosphere :rolleyes::)
 

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