+112 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.
+104 votes
by

The reason we can see the Sun but not Jupiter, despite Jupiter being one of the largest planets in our solar system, is primarily due to two factors: distance and brightness.

Firstly, let's consider the distance between these celestial objects. The Sun is indeed much farther away from us than Jupiter. However, the Sun is also significantly larger than any other object in our solar system. Its enormous size and proximity to Earth make it appear much brighter and more prominent in our sky compared to other celestial bodies.

Secondly, the brightness of an object plays a crucial role in its visibility. Although Jupiter is one of the largest planets, it doesn't emit light of its own like the Sun does. Instead, it reflects sunlight. When sunlight reaches Jupiter, its atmosphere scatters and reflects some of the light back towards us. However, due to the significant distance between Jupiter and Earth, the reflected sunlight is relatively weak when it reaches us.

Furthermore, Jupiter's brightness is further diminished by the fact that it is often outshined by the Sun's overwhelming brightness. The Sun's light drowns out the relatively faint light reflected by Jupiter, making it challenging to observe with the naked eye.

However, it's worth noting that under certain conditions and with the aid of telescopes, Jupiter can indeed be observed and studied in great detail. Astronomers and space agencies use powerful telescopes and instruments to gather information about Jupiter's atmosphere, moons, and other features.

In summary, the apparent visibility of celestial objects like the Sun and Jupiter depends on a combination of factors, including distance, size, brightness, and the presence of other sources of light that may outshine them.

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