+18 votes
in Astronomy by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+8 votes
by

No, we cannot currently see Earth from other stars in our galaxy. There are several reasons for this:

  1. Vast Distances: The stars in our galaxy, including our nearest neighbor Proxima Centauri, are extremely far away from us. The distances between stars are measured in light-years, which is the distance light travels in one year. Even the closest stars are many light-years away from us. This immense distance makes it practically impossible to see Earth as a discernible object from other stars with current technology.

  2. Limitations of Light: The light from Earth, including sunlight reflected off its surface, is relatively faint compared to the intense brightness of stars. When the light from Earth reaches other stars, it gets overwhelmed by the star's own light, making it extremely challenging to distinguish and observe.

  3. Resolution and Angular Size: Even if we were able to capture the light from Earth, the angular size of Earth as seen from distant stars would be incredibly tiny. Earth is just a small speck in the vastness of space. Resolving such a tiny object from such a great distance is beyond the capabilities of current telescopes.

It's important to note that while we cannot directly observe Earth from other stars, scientists use indirect methods to study exoplanets (planets orbiting stars outside our solar system). These methods involve detecting the effects of planets on their host stars, such as changes in starlight or gravitational interactions. These techniques have allowed us to discover and study thousands of exoplanets, providing valuable insights into the diversity of planetary systems in our galaxy.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...