When we look at the night sky, we see a combination of galaxies, stars, and other celestial objects, depending on the circumstances. Let's break it down:
Galaxies: Galaxies are vast systems containing billions or even trillions of stars, as well as gas, dust, and other celestial objects. When we observe galaxies, we typically see them as fuzzy or elongated patches of light. Some galaxies are visible to the naked eye under dark sky conditions, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, while others require telescopes to observe their detailed structures.
Stars: Stars are individual celestial bodies that emit their own light due to nuclear fusion reactions in their cores. When we gaze at the sky, we see countless stars as tiny points of light. The number of stars we can see depends on several factors, including light pollution, atmospheric conditions, and our own eyesight. In areas with minimal light pollution, away from city lights, we can observe a multitude of stars.
Other celestial objects: The night sky also contains various other celestial objects. These can include planets within our solar system, such as Venus or Jupiter, which appear as bright, non-twinkling points of light. Additionally, we might observe natural satellites like the Moon or human-made objects like satellites or the International Space Station (ISS) moving across the sky.
It's important to note that the naked eye view of the night sky can vary significantly depending on factors like location, light pollution, weather conditions, and the observer's eyesight. The use of telescopes or binoculars can reveal more detail and enable us to see fainter objects that are not visible to the naked eye.