SUMMARY
During the daytime, planets and stars are not visible from Earth due to sunlight scattering, but they become visible at higher altitudes, particularly in space. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) can see bright stars like Sirius and planets such as Venus, but visibility is limited due to the brightness of the Earth. The sky appears progressively darker as altitude increases, with stars becoming visible at ISS orbital height. Photographic evidence shows that capturing stars in daylight conditions requires specific camera settings to counteract the overwhelming brightness of the Earth.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of light scattering and its effects on visibility
- Familiarity with the International Space Station (ISS) and its orbital altitude
- Knowledge of photographic techniques for capturing celestial objects
- Awareness of the brightness differences between celestial bodies and the Earth
NEXT STEPS
- Research the effects of light scattering on visibility in astronomy
- Learn about the orbital mechanics of the ISS and its altitude
- Explore techniques for astrophotography during daylight
- Investigate the luminosity of celestial objects compared to Earth
USEFUL FOR
Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophotographers, space science students, and anyone interested in the visibility of celestial bodies from different altitudes.