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.
As always, the headline lies about what the article says.
Headline: “Image of a single strontium atom”
Article: “we can see the glow, without actually seeing the atom itself”
In other words, nothing. We see the glow of atoms all the time - only it’s from billions of atoms. This claims to be from one atom.
An individual atom is much too small to be resolved by the human eye, or any camera, since it is smaller than the wavelength of the light used to photograph it.
In other words, nothing. Hype as usual.
It’s a DOT. Big deal.
Bill: "Are you positive?"
Neutron walks into a bar and asks how much for a beer. The bartender says for you, no charge.
According to the article, iIts actually an image, not a photo.
Like Obama’s official portrait.
Looks fake...
The link below shows much better pictures of atoms in molecules.
https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-of-the-best-actual-images-of-real-atoms-and-molecules
Interesting. Looks very similar to one of the prescription meds I take.
Doesn’t look like strontium to me...I thought strontium was a littler shorter and had darker hair...