The maximum distance at which we can observe the brightest known star is determined by several factors, including the aperture of the collection system and the surface area available for capturing photons. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) significantly enhances visibility due to its position outside the Earth's atmosphere, allowing for more effective photon collection. The number of photons reaching an observer is influenced by the star's luminosity and the distance the light travels, as well as the use of supplementary detection methods such as radio and UV/X-ray detectors.
PREREQUISITESAstronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in the observational limits of stellar brightness and the technology used in modern astronomy.
It has to do with the aperture of the collection system and really the surface area catching the photons, as well as getting outside the atmosphere. The HST has bee very successful since it is out in space, and not on the ground. The number of photons reaching the observer is a function of luminosity (number/rate of photons moving per solid angle of space and the distance they have to travel).BosonJaw said:A recent (dumb) question that came to mind. Perhaps I posted in the wrong place recently. Given the brightest known star. What is the maximum distance we would be able to see it given current technology. Is there a rule or something? Say the divergence of photons vs initial brightness (magnitude)? Thanks guys!