When viewing distant dark objects through a light source (docking bay spotlights on Super High detail), I've noticed that some level of lighting is applied to them.

In the picture below you can see three levels of lighting on the distant roid. You can click the picture to enlarge it.



Linux x86_64, Nvidia 304.88, Super High Detail

Nothing looks wrong to me. The volumetric lighting coming from the docking bay lights are in front of the distant asteroid. What do you think it should look like?

It just strikes me as odd that the volumetric lighting, which is not directed at the distant object, would make it's otherwise darkened surface visible. I would think the surface should remain dark.

Here's another picture that more clearly illustrates the difference. The left side is behind the volumetric lighting, and if the lighting wasn't there it would be as dark as the right side.

But then how would you see the volumetric lighting? Are you saying that it should be hazier looking?

The effect used on those isn't realistic.

In order for lights in space to cause that sort of effect there would have to be fog or dust particles for the light to shine on, but yes, draugath is right. It wouldn't make the asteroid in the distance look brighter.

It's a video game though. :P

Ok, think about it this way. What if the background was completely black. How would you see the light at all then?
Light is additive.

Truthfully though, the particles in the space that are causing the volumetric light to be visible would obscure anything behind it slightly. The density of the air that would cause the brightness of the volumetric light to be what it is should really cause you to only see like a couple thousand meters assuming a uniform density from your viewpoint to infinity.