How did we photograph the universe?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter RoyalCat
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Universe
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of images depicting the universe, particularly those that appear to be taken from outside the Milky Way or our galaxy cluster. Participants explore the origins of these images, questioning their authenticity and the methods used to create them.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about how images of the universe are obtained, particularly those showing views from outside our galaxy.
  • Another participant asserts that such images are not real photographs but rather computer-generated imagery (CGI).
  • A follow-up question challenges the basis of the CGI, asking whether it is purely imaginative or if it is compiled from actual data.
  • One participant clarifies that while some images are based on scientific facts, others are artistic representations, emphasizing that we can only photograph what we have directly observed or sent technology to.
  • Another participant notes that the images are generated, often incorporating a mix of real images.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the images are not real photographs taken from outside the Milky Way, but there is disagreement about the extent to which these images are based on scientific data versus artistic interpretation.

Contextual Notes

There is an unresolved discussion regarding the specific images referenced and the criteria for distinguishing between scientific and artistic representations.

RoyalCat
Messages
670
Reaction score
2
Lately I've watched a couple of YouTube clips showing various journeys through the universe, starting at Earth and ending with the many clusters of galaxies.

A question that came to mind, is how do we have photos that look like they've been taken by an observer outside the Milky Way, or outside our galaxy cluster, for that matter?

A quick google search, and a search of the forums didn't get me any results, so I'm passing the question on to you.

I'd really love to know how we accomplished these photos. :)
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
There are no such real photos. They are all CGI.
 
S.Vasojevic said:
There are no such real photos. They are all CGI.

Based on what, then? Are they pure imagination, or do we have a way to actually compile them based on available information?
 
Well, I don't know exactly what images/movies you are talking about. Some of them are strictly based on scientific facts, others are artistic representations.

We can only photograph things from were we been, or sent our technology. Since nothing 'man made' didn't left our galaxy, we obviosly don't have images of it from 'outside'.
 
They are generated images, with a few real images mixed in.
 

Similar threads

High School How Do We Calculate the Number of Atoms in the Universe?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
High School How does the observable Universe have meaning?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
Undergrad Lines of stars that we see in the sky
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
6K
High School How did Earth get so far away from other galaxies?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
High School Distance of Stars / Size of the Universe calculation
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School Question about deep space pictures
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Can we identify the centre of the Universe?
  • · Replies 97 ·
4
Replies
97
Views
13K
High School Acceleration of time due to entropy
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School How do we know the size of the universe?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Clarification on how old the Universe is
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K