All the stars we see

[jdot]

Are all the stars we see with the naked eye, stars from our Milky Way galaxy? I am sure I read that this is so but cannot remember where I read it. It certainly seems logical but I would like to know if we can see any other galaxies up there. 

 

[derekmcd]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Are all the stars we see with the naked eye, stars from our Milky Way galaxy? I am sure I read that this is so but cannot remember where I read it. It certainly seems logical but I would like to know if we can see any other galaxies up there.&nbsp; <br /> Posted by jdot</DIV></p><p>Yes, this is correct, although I believe a few nearby galaxies that may appear as stars can be seen with the naked eye.&nbsp; I'm sure the Andromeda galaxy can be seen, but not sure about any others in the local group.&nbsp; I'm sure that under perfect conditions, other galaxies can be seen, but they would appear more cloud-like.</p><p>On very rare occasions, supernovae from outside the galaxy can also be seen with the naked eye if the gamma-ray burst is directed our way.&nbsp; You would have to be quite lucky to actually witness one of these.&nbsp; About 3 months ago, GRB 080319B was briefly visible and it was 7.5 billion light years distance from us.&nbsp; I don't believe there was anyone who actually saw, but it was bright enough had you been looking in that direction under the right conditions, you would have.&nbsp; Here's a .gif of it as seen by the SWIFT telescope. </p><p>(you have to click on it for it to work)<br /><br /> <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/3/14/4346e83c-69eb-4902-be58-b427afa9ea45.Medium.gif" alt="" /><br />&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div> </div><br /><div><span style="color:#0000ff" class="Apple-style-span">"If something's hard to do, then it's not worth doing." - Homer Simpson</span></div> </div>