Are More Stars Visible in South America than North?

[Judi Lynn]

Are More Stars Visible in South America than North?

July 19, 2015 – 5:00 AM



A friend from South America says more stars are visible from the southern hemisphere than from the northern one. I disagree. Aside from more lights in North America, which I realize may obscure our view from some locations, how can this be possible?

—M. L., Santa Fe, N.M.

More stars are indeed visible with the unaided eye from the southern hemisphere, but not because more stars exist in that direction of the universe. The reason is that the South Pole is oriented toward the center of the Milky Way, our own galaxy. It’s easier to see those relatively nearby stars than stars that are farther away.

http://parade.com/411043/marilynvossavant/are-more-stars-visible-in-south-america-than-north/

(Short article, no more at link.)

Science:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/122840598

[Cleita]

1. Actually you get a far better view of the Milky Way

in the Southern Hemisphere. It's really spectacular especially up in the Andes.