As an expert in the field of astronomy and space technology, I can provide an insightful perspective on the visibility of airplanes from space. The question of whether one can see an airplane from space is a fascinating one that touches upon the realms of human perception, atmospheric conditions, and the limitations of the human eye.

Firstly, it's important to understand the vastness of space and the scale of the Earth. Space is incredibly vast, and Earth, while large in its own right, is relatively small when viewed from the celestial perspective. From low Earth orbit (LEO), which is typically between 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface, the curvature of the Earth becomes apparent. At this altitude, objects on the ground are extremely small and difficult to discern without the aid of telescopic lenses or high-resolution cameras.

Now, let's consider the size of an airplane. An average commercial airplane is about 60 meters in length. From a distance of 160 kilometers, which is a relatively close distance in space terms, an object of this size would be incredibly difficult to see with the naked eye. The human eye has a resolution limit, and objects smaller than about 0.1 degrees of arc cannot be resolved without magnification. At 160 kilometers, an airplane would occupy a much smaller angle than this, making it virtually invisible to the unaided eye.

However, there are certain conditions under which an airplane might be visible from space. One such condition is the presence of contrails, which are the condensation trails left behind by aircraft as they fly through the atmosphere. These contrails can sometimes be visible from space, especially if they are caught in the sunlight at the right angle, creating a stark contrast against the Earth's surface. NASA has noted that under certain conditions, the faint contrails of a plane can be seen drawing a white line across the landscape.

Another factor that can aid in the visibility of an airplane from space is the use of technology. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) often use cameras with telephoto lenses to capture images of Earth, including man-made structures and, occasionally, airplanes. These cameras can magnify the view, making it possible to see objects that would otherwise be too small to discern.

Furthermore, the atmospheric conditions play a crucial role. Clear weather conditions with minimal cloud cover can enhance the visibility of objects on the ground. Conversely, cloudy or hazy conditions can obscure the view, making it nearly impossible to see anything beyond the immediate vicinity of the spacecraft.

In conclusion, while it is theoretically possible to see an airplane from space under certain conditions, it is not a common occurrence and requires specific circumstances to be met. The human eye alone is not capable of spotting such a small object at the distances involved, but with the aid of technology and under the right conditions, it can be achieved. The visibility of contrails and the use of telescopic lenses by astronauts provide the best opportunities for observing airplanes from the unique vantage point of space.

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We all know how small a plane can look in the sky. Now, see how it looks from outer space. ... But if you look very closely, NASA notes, you can see the faint contrails of a plane drawing a white line across a tidal channel on the upper right.Sep 22, 2015read more >>