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Monday, August 8, 2022

Explore the Wonders of Daylight Astronomy and Sky Gazing


12:09 PM | ,

Discover celestial bodies visible during daylight, from the Sun and Moon to planets, the ISS, comets, meteors, and even rare supernovae.

Astronomy isn't reserved solely for the night sky. Even under the sun's brilliance, several celestial phenomena can be observed, granted certain conditions align. Naturally, the Sun reigns supreme in our sky, radiating with unparalleled intensity. However, remember to refrain from direct solar observation to protect your eyes.


Following the Sun, the Moon holds the title as the second most luminescent object in our sky. Yet, the celestial wonders don't end there. Under perfect weather conditions and the right seasonal backdrop, certain planets reveal themselves in broad daylight. Venus, in particular, is the easiest to spot, shining as one of the brightest celestial bodies. A telescope further enhances the experience, allowing the observation of other planets like Jupiter and Mars.


A unique daylight spectacle is the International Space Station (ISS). Depending on its orbital position, the ISS can outshine all but the Sun and the Moon, ranking as the third brightest object in the sky. However, spotting it requires precision; the ISS moves swiftly across the sky, demanding constant tracking of its exact position.


Beyond the known celestial bodies, three categories of objects are observable during daytime. These objects, brighter than planets and the ISS, can unpredictably appear in the sky. The rarity and unpredictability of these events, however, often make them a challenge to predict.


Among these, comets hold the highest chance of prediction. Upon a new comet's discovery, astronomers estimate its potential brightness. In rare instances, a comet can illuminate so vibrantly that it becomes observable during daylight. The most recent example was Comet McNaught in 2007.


Meteors, although unpredictable, can also be seen in the day. Typically, these are dust particles or small stones entering our atmosphere, resulting in shooting stars. Larger meteors create a wake bright enough to be seen during the day, such as the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteorite, which was about twenty meters in diameter.


Finally, the rarest daylight phenomenon is a supernova. The last daytime supernova was the Tycho Supernova in November 1572, which remained visible during the day for two weeks. Despite their rarity, these cosmic events remind us of the infinite wonder of our universe, visible even under the sunlit sky.


Credit: Pete Lawrence (Digital Sky).


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