Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: thedoc on 23/08/2016 15:23:02

Title: Can a moon generate a heat haze?
Post by: thedoc on 23/08/2016 15:23:02

Stefan Jasiukiewicz asked the Naked Scientists:
   I have a friend who is convinced he saw a heat haze coming of the top of the moon when he is observing through his telescope. I only use a pair of Celestron 15x70 binos and I am not an avid astronomer, just very interested, I have argued with him that the heat shimmer is more likely to be from Earths atmosphere than coming of the moon. I said the moon has no atmosphere so can't generate heat haze. Am I wrong? No betting involved, just pride, thanks for any answers.
What do you think?

Title: Re: Can a moon generate a heat haze?
Post by: Colin2B on 23/08/2016 16:05:57

The moon does have a very, very small atmosphere of about 10⁶ molecules in each cc. This is actually a very good vacuum and not enough to cause a heat haze. I think you conclusion that it is due to density changes in earth's atmosphere is correct bearing in mind that that is why stars twinkle.

 
PS Earth has about 10¹⁹ in each cc.