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Why do we only start to see fog yards away from where we are standing and not at our feet?

Dr. Aris Thorne
Dr. Aris Thorne
Senior Science Editor · Mar 3, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

If fog is very very thick, you can see it at your feet. The nature of fog is that you can see through some of it but not all of it (that is, some but not all light passes through). So, when you don't see it at your feet, it's because you're seeing *through* the stuff that is at your feet.

127
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1 min
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#57
of 500 in Space & Astronomy

+87%
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The Short Answer

If fog is very very thick, you can see it at your feet. The nature of fog is that you can see through some of it but not all of it (that is, some but not all light passes through). So, when you don't see it at your feet, it's because you're seeing *through* the stuff that is at your feet. You *can* see it farther away because you've looked through enough of it to notice the effect. Basically, fog scatters light. If it's not super thick, you must look through a few yards of it to notice that the light is being scattered. Either that or it's made of spirits who can't stand to be in contact with living beings so they stay away from you.

Analysis

Key Concepts: Feet, light, it's

This explanation focuses on feet, light, it's and spans 127 words across 7 sentences. At 87% above the average Space & Astronomy explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “If fog is very very thick, you can see it at your feet.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 7 connected points.

How This Compares in Space & Astronomy

Ranked #57 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by answer depth (top 12%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why we only start to see fog yards away from where we are standing and not at our feet?

If fog is very very thick, you can see it at your feet. The nature of fog is that you can see through some of it but not all of it (that is, some but not all light passes through). So, when you don't see it at your feet, it's because you're seeing…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Space & Astronomy questions?

This is one of the most thorough answer at 127 words, ranked #57 of 500 Space & Astronomy questions by depth. The key concepts covered are feet, light, it's.

What approach does this answer take to explain we only start to see fog yards away from where we are standi?

The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 127 words. It is categorized under Space & Astronomy and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.