Can constellations be seen on cloudy nights?
I think the answer is no because stars can't be seen through clouds?
Correct. They are also hard to see in cities with air pollution and bright night lighting.
So it would be hard to see in, say, a city's downtown.
Thank you :)
You are correct to some extent. Constellations are typically composed of several stars that form a recognizable pattern in the night sky. On cloudy nights, the clouds can obstruct the view of stars, making it challenging to see or identify constellations.
However, there are a couple of factors to consider when it comes to observing constellations on cloudy nights. Firstly, the thickness and density of the clouds play a role. If the clouds are very dense and cover the entire sky, it may be almost impossible to see any stars or constellations. However, if the clouds are thin or scattered, there is a chance that some stars might still be visible through the gaps.
Additionally, the brightness of the stars within a constellation also matters. Some stars are brighter than others and can shine through thin clouds more easily. So, while it may be difficult to see dimmer stars or subtle details of a constellation, it's still possible to observe the brighter and more prominent stars even on a partly cloudy night.
In conclusion, while it is generally more challenging to see constellations on cloudy nights due to the obstruction of stars by clouds, the visibility can vary depending on the thickness and density of the clouds, as well as the brightness of the stars in the constellation.