- #1
RiChY
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I've seen that Mars' apparent magnitude varies between -2.9 and 1.8 and Mercury's from -2.0 and 5.5 (wikipedia said so at least).
I'm trying to figure out which planet would have the greatest variation in brightness, as seen from Earth. The numbers at wikipedia points in the direction of Mercury, but I can't explain why it should be either planet.
Would it be Mercury? Because when in inferior/superior conjunction it's not visible due to the much brighter sun?
Would it be Mars? Because of the retrograde motion when it's in opposition?
Any help would be appreciated :)
I'm trying to figure out which planet would have the greatest variation in brightness, as seen from Earth. The numbers at wikipedia points in the direction of Mercury, but I can't explain why it should be either planet.
Would it be Mercury? Because when in inferior/superior conjunction it's not visible due to the much brighter sun?
Would it be Mars? Because of the retrograde motion when it's in opposition?
Any help would be appreciated :)