reply to post by magickmaster
Stars and planets are very different. Stars are undergoing nuclear fusion and planets are not.
Venus is very bright because of its cloud covering, giving it a high albedo (reflection).
Jupiter actually has its own radiation (NOT from nuclear fusion). Jupiter is too small to be a brown dwarf, but it is a good comparison. (Brown dwarfs
are failed stars.)
We see the moon and the planets in our solar system because of the sun's light. (Our sun is a star. And yes, a lot of people do not know that.)
Meteors vary in size. Most burn up in the atmosphere. The larger ones survive entry. Comets are balls of ice and dust.
This is basic grade school science, an indictment of the education system for sure. However, as an adult, you also have a responsibility to properly
educate yourself.
I can appreciate your skeptical nature. However, do not confuse skepticism with a lack of knowledge.
It astounds me how many people know very little about the Earth, Sun, and Solar System.
I also understand that science can seem mysterious. But take the time to read about the scientific method. Learn the difference between pseudoscience
and real science. Take a basic astronomy course. There are good places on the internet to learn for free, and there is always the public library. (And
as much as I like coming to ATS, this is NOT a good place to learn.)
Sometimes I wonder if people are for real on here or joking around.
Anyway, I gave you brief descriptions. Anything more and I charge.
***
Adding:
And I might seem like a hard nose here.
Google. You knew enough to come here and ask these questions. And I'm sure there are plenty of people on here who know the answers.
Read up on it and then come back with questions after you read for yourself what these things are. Your questions are very general. I used to tutor
astronomy, and I have come across many different types of students. I believe and I have seen that a student learns best when they have to struggle
through some of the problem solving. You will fare better if you take the time to read. Read. Not hear someone tell you, or read it on a site like
this. Read a legitimate source.
Simple search strings: Why is Venus bright? Look for .edu extensions.
After you do this and read through this stuff and you're still confused, then tell me what is confusing you. Then, if I know it, I will do my best to
explain it.
And to answer your main question:
Are any of you out there skeptical that stars are actually stars and planets are actually planets?
No.
edit on 24-9-2012 by kisharninmah because: adding additional commentary