- #1
Count Iblis
- 1,863
- 8
According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apparent_magnitude" Neptune could be visible to the naked eye.
Neptune's maximum brightness is magnitude 7.78 while the faintest star known to be observed with the naked eye is magnitude 7.72. But that star was only observed as a guide to observe the galaxy M81 by the naked eye by Brian skiff. So, it is not a hard limit at all.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/resources/darksky/3304011.html"
So, it seems to me that Neptune is just within reach of the naked eye. However, it seems that no one has actually seen it with the naked eye. Why not?![Confused :confused: :confused:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Neptune's maximum brightness is magnitude 7.78 while the faintest star known to be observed with the naked eye is magnitude 7.72. But that star was only observed as a guide to observe the galaxy M81 by the naked eye by Brian skiff. So, it is not a hard limit at all.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/resources/darksky/3304011.html"
Class 1: Excellent dark-sky site. The zodiacal light, gegenschein, and zodiacal band (S&T: October 2000, page 116) are all visible — the zodiacal light to a striking degree, and the zodiacal band spanning the entire sky. Even with direct vision, the galaxy M33 is an obvious naked-eye object. The Scorpius and Sagittarius region of the Milky Way casts obvious diffuse shadows on the ground. To the unaided eye the limiting magnitude is 7.6 to 8.0 (with effort); the presence of Jupiter or Venus in the sky seems to degrade dark adaptation. Airglow (a very faint, naturally occurring glow most evident within about 15° of the horizon) is readily apparent. With a 32-centimeter (12½-inch) scope, stars to magnitude 17.5 can be detected with effort, while a 50-cm (20-inch) instrument used with moderate magnification will reach 19th magnitude. If you are observing on a grass-covered field bordered by trees, your telescope, companions, and vehicle are almost totally invisible. This is an observer's Nirvana!
So, it seems to me that Neptune is just within reach of the naked eye. However, it seems that no one has actually seen it with the naked eye. Why not?
Last edited by a moderator: