Stars don't actually "go" anywhere during the day; they are still in the sky, just as they are at night. The reason we can't see them is because of the overwhelming brightness of the Sun.
The Sun's Dominance
The Sun is so much brighter than the stars that its light scatters in the Earth's atmosphere. This scattering creates the blue sky we see during the day. The intense sunlight overwhelms the relatively faint light coming from the stars, making them invisible to the naked eye.
Why We See Stars at Night
At night, the Sun is on the opposite side of the Earth, so its light no longer interferes with our ability to see the stars. The atmosphere is still present, but without the Sun's intense light, the fainter light from the stars can reach our eyes.
Analogy
Imagine trying to see a dim flashlight beam next to a powerful floodlight. The floodlight's brightness makes it impossible to see the flashlight. Similarly, the Sun's brightness makes it impossible to see the stars during the day.
Can we ever see stars during the day?
Yes, it is possible to see stars during the day, but only under special circumstances:
- During a total solar eclipse: When the Moon completely blocks the Sun, the sky darkens enough to allow bright stars and planets to become visible.
- From the bottom of a very deep mine or well: If you can block out most of the sunlight, you might be able to see a few of the brightest stars. This is very difficult, however, because of the atmospheric scattering of light.
- With a telescope: Telescopes can gather enough light to make stars visible even during the day. Astronomers use specialized techniques to observe stars and other celestial objects at all times, regardless of daylight.
Summary
Stars are present in the daytime sky, but their faint light is masked by the overwhelming brightness of the Sun. Only under exceptional conditions, such as during a total solar eclipse or with the aid of powerful telescopes, can we observe stars during the day.
