Question

We can see planets in different galaxies and all kinds of stuff in the universe with telescopes, so why can't we see the flag on the moon?

Answer 1

The question of why we cannot see the flag on the Moon with telescopes from Earth is a common one. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Size and distance: The flag on the Moon left by the Apollo missions is relatively small—about 1 meter (3 feet) in width. The Moon's distance from Earth is approximately 384,400 kilometers (238,900 miles). The combination of the flag's small size and the vast distance makes it incredibly challenging to resolve such details with telescopes on Earth.

2. Limitations of telescopes: Even with powerful telescopes, there are limits to the level of detail we can observe on the lunar surface. The resolving power of a telescope is limited by factors such as atmospheric conditions, optical distortions, and the inherent limitations of the telescope's design. These factors make it difficult to discern small objects or structures on the Moon's surface from Earth.

3. Optical limitations: The wavelength of visible light limits the level of detail that can be resolved. The flag on the Moon is much smaller than the wavelength of visible light, making it challenging to capture clear and detailed images of such small objects from such a great distance.

4. Lunar conditions: Over time, the Moon's surface is exposed to harsh conditions, including extreme temperature variations, micrometeorite impacts, and the effects of radiation. These factors, along with the absence of an atmosphere, make it unlikely that the flag or any other man-made object on the Moon would remain perfectly preserved and visible over several decades.

While we cannot directly observe the flag on the Moon from Earth, there have been missions, such as the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), that have captured high-resolution images of the Apollo landing sites from lunar orbit. These images provide clear evidence of the landing sites and the equipment left behind, although the flag itself may not be visible at the level of detail achievable by the LRO's cameras.

In summary, the combination of the flag's small size, the vast distance between the Earth and the Moon, the limitations of telescopes, and the lunar conditions make it challenging to see the flag on the Moon from Earth.