Distant Object Resolution

The cluster discusses visual perception, angular resolution, and distance estimation of distant objects like satellites in telescope images or videos, factoring in diffraction, atmospheric effects, and viewing distance.

📉 Falling 0.4x Science
1,967
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#8383
Topic ID

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Keywords

e.g ISS THAT FOV NYC distance miles distances degrees miles away beam horizon eye away light

Sample Comments

baq Jan 19, 2020 View on HN

the parent already posted it but it's worth repeating - you're seeing the effect of multiple miles of air between the object and the lens.

t0 Sep 27, 2013 View on HN

Probably the distance from your eye.

eviks Mar 15, 2025 View on HN

This doesn't help much since visual perception doesn't depend just on this distance

jdmichal Mar 15, 2021 View on HN

That's a terrible projection to be judging distances with...

domcat Sep 26, 2024 View on HN

Looks like far away is more reasonable.

zamadatix Nov 13, 2025 View on HN

It depends on viewing distance as well.

TheSpiceIsLife Mar 25, 2017 View on HN

Can you tell us at what distance the theoretical 1.22e-4 radians would apply. I suppose you mean something like regular screen-viewing distance.

amelius Mar 9, 2022 View on HN

Does this mean that objects that are on a trajectory out of the view have less resolution?

kjkjadksj Sep 12, 2023 View on HN

If you were at such distance from the earth, what would be resolvable?

kswillister Dec 17, 2018 View on HN

when you say "a single pixel" here I believe you mean a very small angular diameter