How powerful does a microscope need to be in order to see a virus? (Not necessarily in detail?)

Question

I know you can see bacteria and cells under a normal microscope but how high does the magnification need to be in order to start seeing viruses as well?

Answer 1

nano is 10 ^ ( - 9 ) electron microscope

micro is 10 ^ ( - 6 ) ordinary microscope

west nile virus 40 - 60 nm (nano-meters)

sars virus 80 - 120 nm

red blood cells 6 - 8 um (micrometers)

you need electron microscope

Answer 2

You would need an Electron Microscope. (Scanning and Transmission)

The LARGEST virus is about the same size as the SMALLEST bacteria, so those can be seen under optimal optical settings.

We're talking 0.3 microns and smaller!  SMALL!