[exDemMom]

A laser is shone on the trapped strontium atom, and as it absorbs and emits energy, we can see the glow, without actually seeing the atom itself

So we are seeing the quantum energy from the atom, not the atom itself. Visualizing an atom is impossible, due to the fact that it is so tiny. In order to visualize an object, the object must be larger than wavelengths of light within the visual spectrum.

That little dot is many times larger than the atom itself. If I cared to spend some time at the task, I could figure out exactly how much larger the dot is than the atom... but it's quicker just to type out that I don't want to go to that trouble.

[Pollster1]

Art is all about marketing, just like politics. In this case, the science is impressive even as you describe it - visualizing the quantum energy from a single atom. However, to win an art prize, the photo has to be presented just right.

[Leaning Right]

> So we are seeing the quantum energy from the atom, not the atom itself. <

I hate to sound like you-know-who, but I guess it all depends on your definition of “see”.

[trebb]

Thought I could make out electrons but cleaned my reading glasses and they went away.....

[ConservativeMind]

I was thinking the same thing when noticing the metal “plugs” on the left and right.

[Hammerhead]

Ok ‘Smarter Than All the Rest of Us Guy’.