Why does the shadow of Skylab appear so large in this video?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the visibility and perceived size of the shadow of Skylab as seen in a video. Participants explore the reasons behind the shadow's apparent size in relation to its altitude and the environmental conditions affecting visibility.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that Skylab is in a 235-mile orbit and questions why its shadow appears so large from a distance of at least 230 miles.
  • Another participant claims they do not see the shadow and suggests it may be camera artifacts.
  • A third participant challenges the camera artifacts claim, asking for an explanation of how it relates to the shadow image in the video.
  • A later reply acknowledges the shadow's visibility, attributing it to camera lens issues and varying light conditions from clouds and oceans.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the shadow is visible or if it is merely a result of camera artifacts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of the shadow.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the altitude of Skylab and the position of clouds, but there are no detailed explanations of the optical effects or assumptions about visibility conditions.

2milehi
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Please ignore the UFO reference and watch for 5 seconds in the below link. One can see the shadow of Skylab on the Earth. Skylab is in a 235 mile orbit above the surface of the Earth. Clouds are about 5 miles above the surface of the Earth. So the camera capturing the images is at least 230 miles from the shadow. Why is the shadow so large?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1p6uMMvM9ow#t=114s
 
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I don't see Skylab shadow, all I see are camera artifacts.
 
Camera artifacts? Please explain how that relates to the "shadow" image on the left side of the video.
 
OK, I see it now - some schmaltz on the camera lens. More light from bright clouds drowns it out. Less light from the dark blue oceans make it more visible.
 

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