How far can your cat see into the universe?

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SUMMARY

Cats can collect approximately 20 times more light than humans, enhancing their ability to see in low-light conditions. This increased light collection does not necessarily equate to seeing further into the universe, as it primarily improves resolution rather than magnification. The structure of a cat's eye, including the presence of a reflective layer behind the retina, contributes to their superior night vision. However, environmental factors and the cat's behavior also play significant roles in their observational capabilities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics and light collection principles
  • Knowledge of feline anatomy, specifically the structure of the eye
  • Familiarity with astronomical concepts, such as light years and galaxy visibility
  • Basic comprehension of animal behavior and sensory perception
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the anatomy of the feline eye and its adaptations for night vision
  • Explore the concept of light collection and resolution in optics
  • Investigate the visibility of celestial objects from Earth and factors affecting it
  • Learn about the behavior of cats in relation to their sensory capabilities
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, animal behaviorists, pet owners, and anyone interested in the sensory capabilities of cats and their ability to perceive the universe.

Count Iblis
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_galaxies#List_of_naked-eye_galaxies". M101 is 27 million light years away.

I've read that the eye of a cat can collect about 20 times more light than the eye of a human. Then, given the brightness of the dimmest galaxies that have been seen by humans, that seems to imply that http://www.atlasoftheuniverse.com/galax200.html" should be visible to a cat.
 
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does the fact (presumably) that a cat's eye can collect more light than an eye of a man really mean that a can can see further?
im not the smartest person and pretty new to this forum, but to me it seems that it only makes the cat see wider.
plus, i think it also depends a lot on the ciliary muscles of the eye of cats.
 
yeah good point, more light = better resolution, not magnification. Basic microscope concepts.
 
Cat's eyes have a "mirror" behind the retina to reflect light back into the light sensor cells. See
http://www.agarman.dial.pipex.com/bco/fact4.htm
Our neighbor's cat maybe could see galaxies, but she didn't see the coyote that got her last night. She wasn't the smartest cat on the block.
 
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