The star Mira which is 350 light years away and has a tail that stretches for 13 light years will be visible to the naked eye in november. Even through a telescope will it appear as anything more than a regular star, or will it be possible to see its tail?
2007-10-03 04:44:17 · 3 answers · asked by Spartan 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Mira's tail was only discovered by the use of a new, extremely sensitive ultraviolet telescope in space. The tail is hence invisible to the human eye, whatever optical aids are used, and in any case the UV light is absorbed by the atmosphere. Mira only ever appears to us as a star, otherwise its tail would have been spotted ages ago.
2007-10-03 04:52:57 · answer #1 · answered by Jason T 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have not heard about the tail, but I suspect it is not something easily seen visually, even in a big professional telescope. It was probably detected with long exposure photography or at wavelengths of light that are not visible to human eyes.
2007-10-03 04:49:40 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its very hard to see, even by telescope: here have a look:
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/the_universe/images/mira.jpg
you will not be able to see this with the naked eye.
2007-10-03 05:23:02 · answer #3 · answered by mrzwink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋