What is the estimated peak visual magnitude astronomers assign to the Tiangong space station?
Answer
Magnitude -2.6
The estimated peak brightness for Tiangong hovers around magnitude -2.6. This visual rating is notably dimmer than its larger counterpart, the International Space Station (ISS), which is famously brilliant and can reach a visual magnitude of -3.8. While -2.6 is still quite bright—brighter than most stars visible in the night sky—the distinction in magnitude means the ISS will generally outshine Tiangong when both are overhead. Observing Tiangong often requires calibration using the brighter ISS pass first, as the slight difference in magnitude demands more focused observation.
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