The Brightest Objects in the Solar System: Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter

KOMPAS.com – Without optical aid, the human eye can see objects with a magnitude of about 6 under optimal conditions and under dark skies.

There are about a dozen natural objects in the solar system that, in theory, can be seen with the naked eye. In practice, fainter objects are very difficult to see with the eye alone.

Here are some of the brightest objects in the solar system.

1. Sun

The brightest object in the solar system is the Sun. The sun shines with a magnitude of -26.7.

Technically, the Sun cannot be seen without special safety filters to protect the eyes.

Also read: Nishimura’s Comet Will Not Return to the Solar System for 4 Centuries

2. Moon

The next brightest object in the solar system is the Moon. The brightness of the moon varies depending on its phase.

In the full phase, the Moon will shine very brightly with a magnitude of -12.7.
On the other hand, in the crescent moon phase, the Moon only shines around magnitude -6.

3. Venus

Venus is the closest planet to Earth and is also the brightest planet.
Venus can shine with a magnitude of -4.7.

Venus is bright enough to see during the day. Venus’ brightness is due in part to its close proximity to Earth and, in large part, to its thick reflective clouds.

Also read: NASA Prepares to Search for Life Outside the Solar System, How?

4. Mars

The planet Mars is the second closest planet to Earth after Venus, which often reaches a maximum magnitude of -2.9.

When Mars is brightest around the time of its opposition, it is when Mars is opposite the sun from Earth.

5. Jupiter

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. At its peak, Jupiter shines at magnitude -2.8.

Jupiter moves in a majestic manner around the sky and is not tied to sunrise or sunset like Venus.

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2023-12-09 11:30:00
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