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We see things based on reflected light. Light travels from the source, bounces off the object, and is reflected to our eyes. Our eyes detect the light, and our brains decode the image of what we are seeing.
The Sun is a nuclear fusion reactor; it generates an enormous amount of energy, which is radiated away into space. In empty space, the light encounters no obstacle, nothing to reflect the light to the observer. So space looks black, because no light is being reflected there.
Planets are big and reflective. They aren't perfect reflectors, but they don't have to be. It only takes a tiny fraction of the reflected light to hit our eyes in order for us to see them. This would be difficult if the background was bright; for example, we cannot see the stars in the daytime, because the refracted light in the Earth's atmosphere drowns out the light from the stars. (You CAN see the planet Venus in the daytime, if you know exactly where to look.)
But when the sky goes dark, the stars are still there, and as our eyes adjust to the diminished illumination, we can see the stars, and planets, and Space Station, and everything else that reflects light from the sun back to our eyes.
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∙ 15y ago
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Why do the planets appear shiny from space?
Other planets appear shiny from Earth for the same reason the moon does, we see the other planets' reflected sunlight.
What objects in the space are seen in the night?
Moon, planets, stars, now and then a comet.
Why don't stars appear in photos of astronauts in space?
the light from sun is reflected &it is too bright
What are Characteristics of stars and planets?
Stars are bright shining objects in space which emit light and have a fixed place in space. Planets are celestial bodies with light but do not shine and which rotate around a specific star.
Why does mercury have agreater range of temperatures than any other planets?
At night its heat escapes into space
What causes the moon to appear bright?
The moon reflects the light of the sun because moon is like a big rock in space that's why it reflects light and also the light is bright because it is dark.
Why do planets have to be in space?
If they aren't in space, then where else can they be?
What do the planets have to do with astronomy?
Astronomy is all about the things in outer space and planets are in outer space.
Which planets have the most space between them?
The planets that have the most space between them are mercury and Pluto.
We are confused the moon gives light to the sun somehow?
The moon as well as all the other moons and planets do not give off any light. you see the reflected light from the sun. If you were in space looking at the earth with the sun behind you then the earth will look like a nice bright planet (day time) whilst the other side would be in night time and appear dark. So when you see the moon you are looking at it's daytime so to speak.
Where are the planets?
in space
What do you call the space between planets?
Space
