Absolute zero for the boomerang nebula?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the temperature of the Boomerang Nebula, specifically the claim that it is approximately 1 degree above absolute zero. Participants explore the implications of this temperature in relation to physical phenomena such as Bose-Einstein Condensates and the behavior of gases under expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the validity of the claim that the Boomerang Nebula is at 1 degree above absolute zero.
  • One participant compares the temperature drop in the nebula to the cooling effect observed in expanding gases, such as those in air conditioning systems.
  • There is a suggestion that the rapid expansion of the Boomerang Nebula contributes to its low temperature, potentially reaching around 1 K.
  • Another participant raises the question of whether a nebula at 1 K could exhibit conditions suitable for Bose-Einstein Condensation, referencing specific temperatures for helium and sodium in experimental contexts.
  • Participants express curiosity about the implications of these low temperatures for various elements and their states of matter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the temperature claim or its implications for Bose-Einstein Condensates, indicating multiple competing views and ongoing exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of gases under expansion and the conditions necessary for Bose-Einstein Condensation, which remain unresolved and dependent on specific experimental contexts.

wolram
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hi, can anyone confirm the 1degree above absolute zero for the
boomerang nebula?
 
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Originally posted by wolram
hi, can anyone confirm the 1degree above absolute zero for the
boomerang nebula?
It would be similar to the Freon (sp?) in your AC system, or any expanding gasses which, as you know, drop in temperature when moving from a compressed state to a less compressed state. Just like the AC in your house or car, or even the fire extinguisher.

This is not a "confirmation", but the Boomerang nebula, a planetary nebula, is found to be expanding at a rapid rate that is 10 to 100 times faster than other known planetary nebula. This rapid expansion equals a fast drop in temperature, enough to be at just ~1 degree K.
 
thanks LABGUY, straying from the origonal question, if you can have
a 1k nebula is it going to far to say that there may be bose einstein
condition in space?
 
Originally posted by wolram
thanks LABGUY, straying from the origonal question, if you can have
a 1k nebula is it going to far to say that there may be bose einstein
condition in space?
It could be. Helium will "degrade" at about 2.17*K, and Sodium took it down to 1 millionth *K in the MIT laser experiment. I guess it totally depends on the element, and temperature of course, but that 1*K nebula should certainly apply as a candidate for a Bose-Einstein Condensate for certain elements... (?)
 
thanks once more labguy, the posibilities get more interesting...
 

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