Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Ighsaan on 02/09/2008 17:55:27

Title: Do stars disappear mid-way through the night?
Post by: Ighsaan on 02/09/2008 17:55:27

Ighsaan asked the Naked Scientists:

Is there a star in our solar system that disappears every night after the first half of the night is gone?

What do you think?

Title: Do stars disappear mid-way through the night?
Post by: Bored chemist on 02/09/2008 19:35:24

No. It doesn't disapear; it just finds a planet to hide behind.

Title: Do stars disappear mid-way through the night?
Post by: Karen W. on 02/09/2008 19:50:09

Welcome to the forum Ighsaan.. please register and enjoy!



Is there one in particular BC, or do many get behind planets and disappear for a bit?

Title: Do stars disappear mid-way through the night?
Post by: RD on 02/09/2008 20:02:21

Quote from: Ighsaan on 02/09/2008 17:55:27

Is there a star in our solar system that disappears every night after the first half of the night is gone?

The only star in our solar system is The Sun. Viewed from Earth, The Sun "disappears" for half the year, a.k.a. "night".

Title: Do stars disappear mid-way through the night?
Post by: Karen W. on 02/09/2008 20:07:40

DUH.. I did not think about that! LOL.. THanks...

Title: Do stars disappear mid-way through the night?
Post by: RD on 02/09/2008 20:15:13

If Ighsaan isn't giving us a riddle about the sun, he may be referring to orbiting satellites like the ISS (http://www.sai.msu.su/apod/ap001214.html) which appear like a star but travel from horizon to horizon in less than an hour, i.e. these star-like satellites are in our solar system and, if visible, would disappear a less than an hour later.

Title: Do stars disappear mid-way through the night?
Post by: Karen W. on 02/09/2008 21:11:13

Would be nice of Ighsaan to register and come clarify his question for us!