with 1*10 to the power of 22 stars in the sky. List several factors that limit us to being able to see only about 2000 to 3000.
*shape of the galaxy
*size of the galaxy
*The sun's light
*light reflection from earth
*light pollution
*lackness of darkness
*horizon view
Are these right? More factors would be appreciated, thanks
Most of those 10^22 stars are to far away to be seen. Ou eyes only admit light through pupils with a m illimeters diamater. The human retina is also not very sensitive.
Absorption of the light from distant stars (near the center of the galaxy) buy interstellar dust is also important in limiting the number of stars we can see.
The sun's light of course limits our ability to see stars in daytime, but not at night.
I would agree with your answers os light pollution and lack of darkness, which are really the same thing. The other reasons you gave are not important.
thank you so much:-)
You have listed some factors correctly that limit our ability to see only a small fraction of the total number of stars in the sky. Here are a few more factors to consider:
1. Atmospheric conditions: The Earth's atmosphere acts as a filter for incoming light from outer space. Factors such as air turbulence, humidity, and pollution can distort and scatter the light, making it difficult to see faint stars clearly.
2. Atmospheric interference: Light from distant stars can be absorbed or obscured by various atmospheric gases, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide. This can reduce the overall visibility of stars.
3. Celestial objects: Not all stars are equally bright or observable. Some stars may be too distant, too dim, or too close to other bright objects like the Moon or planets, making them difficult to detect with the naked eye.
4. Light scattering: The scattering of sunlight by particles in the atmosphere, such as dust and aerosols, can create a glow in the sky known as skyglow. This extraneous light can diminish our ability to see faint stars, especially in urban areas where light pollution is prevalent.
5. Time of day: Stars are most visible during nighttime hours when the sun is below the horizon. During daytime, the scattered sunlight overwhelms the faint light from stars, making them practically invisible.
6. Stellar density: Although there are billions of stars in our galaxy, they are not uniformly distributed. Some regions of the galaxy may have a higher concentration of stars, while others have fewer. This uneven distribution limits the number of stars we can see from our vantage point.
7. Optical limitations: The resolving power of our eyes and optical instruments also play a role. Our eyes have a limited ability to discern fine details, and telescopes can only gather light from a particular area, further limiting the number of visible stars.
It's important to note that these factors can be compounded by each other, making it even more challenging to observe a significant portion of the stars in the sky.