Is it Possible to Capture a Complete Image of Earth from Space?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of capturing a complete image of Earth from space, particularly focusing on the mathematical and theoretical implications of such an endeavor. Participants explore concepts related to geometry, perspective, and the limitations of imaging from a distance, with references to specific calculations and theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that it is impossible to take a single photograph of the entire Earth, questioning whether there is mathematical proof to support this claim.
  • Another participant interprets the original question as possibly referring to capturing a full hemisphere, indicating that this might be trivially impossible.
  • A participant mentions using data from the ISS to calculate the horizon and surface area, encountering irregularities in their diagrams involving circles and spheres.
  • There is a reference to an overall theory that touches on quantum mechanics, although the relevance of this theory to the original question is questioned by others.
  • Some participants express a need for clarity regarding the irregularities found in the calculations, requesting further explanation.
  • One participant emphasizes that personal theories are not typically discussed in the forum, suggesting a focus on mathematical problems instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the original question, with multiple interpretations of what is meant by capturing a complete image of Earth. There are differing views on the feasibility of such an endeavor and the relevance of personal theories to the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific calculations and techniques used, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions made in these calculations and the definitions of terms like "irregularities." The discussion also touches on the appropriateness of certain theories in the context of the forum's guidelines.

Mr Lollipop
Messages
4
Reaction score
2
I've been messing around with some circle theorems and found that you couldn't possibly take a picture of a full Earth from a single shot. Is this impossible? Is their some math to prove otherwise, I'm really stuck.
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
Mr Lollipop said:
I've been messing around with some circle theorems and found that you couldn't possibly take a picture of a full Earth from a single shot. Is this impossible? Is their some math to prove otherwise, I'm really stuck.
Welcome to the PF.

What distance are you using for your calculations?
 
Mr Lollipop said:
I've been messing around with some circle theorems and found that you couldn't possibly take a picture of a full Earth from a single shot. Is this impossible? Is their some math to prove otherwise, I'm really stuck.
Huh? Do you mean a single shot taking a pic of the entire surface of the Earth? That's rather trivially impossible so I'm thinking you must be asking something else but I can't figure out what.
 
I'm guessing he means a full hemisphere, but we'll see what his reply is...
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

What distance are you using for your calculations?
Screenshot_20170530-164914_1.jpg


I used the ISS space station data of the horizon, tried to calculate surface area underneath using two separate techniques. I also drew out some diagrams involving circles and spheres, to my dismay came across some irregularities.

Thank-you FP [emoji1]
 
Mr Lollipop said:
View attachment 204542

I used the ISS space station data of the horizon, tried to calculate surface area underneath using two separate techniques. I also drew out some diagrams involving circles and spheres, to my dismay came across some irregularities.

Thank-you FP [emoji1]
Could you please describe in words what "irregularities" you are finding?
 
berkeman said:
Could you please describe in words what "irregularities" you are finding?
I have an overall theory, but this image could probably describe it better than I can. Sorta touching on quantum mechanics.

shape_of_future.jpg
 
Mr Lollipop said:
I have an overall theory, but this image could probably describe it better than I can. Sorta touching on quantum mechanics.

View attachment 204543
Well, we don't discuss personal theories here at the PF. If you are having problems with some math in your calculations, you can post that (prefereably type it into the forum, rather than posting fuzzy cell phone pictures). There is a LaTeX tutorial here to help you learn to type equations:

https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jim mcnamara
I don't think they're personal theories because I'd be surprised if nobody reached similar conclusion. But cheers, I will try to better my layout.
 
  • #10
It seems this thread has multiple issues. Please repost what you have in the Topology and Analysis forums. It does not appear to have anything to do with Quantum Mechanics.

Thank you.
 

Similar threads

High School Is a Quantum Entanglement Camera the Key to Seeing Into the Future of Earth?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Determining Relative Position of Space Object to Earth
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate Orbital mechanics: is ballistic capture possible without acceleration?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the new source of space radiation discovered near Earth?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
12K
High School Cartesian Space vs. Euclidean Space
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Is possible to completely remove solder from a PCB pad?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Graduate Ballentine on Diffraction Scattering
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Visualizing 4D Euclidian Space: A Book for Mind-Boggling Effects
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad Is Vacuum Decay from a False to True State Impossible or Just Unlikely?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Glass bottle with a prolonged neck that continues into the inner space
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K