Does it take a long time or a short time for gamma rays to reach the photosphere

In summary, as gamma rays travel outward from the core of the sun through the sun, it takes about 170,000 years for them to reach the photosphere. This is due to the energy having to pass through the radiative transfer zone and the convection zone. However, the exact time frame may vary depending on different sources. Neutrinos, on the other hand, can travel through the sun much faster due to their ability to pass through matter easily.
  • #1
land_of_ice
137
0
What happens to gamma rays as they travel outward from the core of the sun through the sun?

-also, does it take a long time or short time for neutrinos to reach the photosphere of the sun from the core of the sun? Why?

The main question has nothing to do with the earth, it is more specifically, does it take a long time or a short time for gamma rays to reach the photosphere of the sun originating from the core of the sun
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Don't know how reliable this source is:
http://solar.physics.montana.edu/ypop/Spotlight/SunInfo/Radzone.html

but apparently it takes about 170 000 years for energy from the core to get through the radiative transfer zone alone. It now has to get through the convection zone, although according to the same source, this only takes something like a week or so.

But if these numbers are important to you, try to find other sources than this simple tutorial to confirm.
 

1. How long does it take for gamma rays to reach the photosphere?

The time it takes for gamma rays to reach the photosphere varies depending on the source of the gamma rays and their energy. On average, gamma rays from distant sources like supernovae can take years to reach the photosphere, while gamma rays from the Sun can reach the photosphere in a matter of seconds.

2. Why do gamma rays take longer to reach the photosphere compared to other forms of electromagnetic radiation?

Gamma rays are the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation and have a shorter wavelength than visible light, making them more difficult to travel through space. They can also be absorbed or scattered by interstellar matter, which can further delay their journey to the photosphere.

3. Can gamma rays from the Sun reach the photosphere instantly?

No, even though gamma rays from the Sun travel at the speed of light, they still take a small amount of time to reach the photosphere. This is because the photosphere is located approximately 500,000 km from the Sun's core, so it takes a few seconds for the gamma rays to cover that distance.

4. What happens to gamma rays when they reach the photosphere?

When gamma rays reach the photosphere, they interact with the gas and plasma in the Sun's outer layers. This interaction causes the gamma rays to lose energy and transform into lower energy forms of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light and infrared radiation.

5. Can gamma rays from distant sources ever reach the photosphere?

Yes, gamma rays from very distant sources, such as distant galaxies, can reach the photosphere through a process called pair production. This occurs when the high-energy gamma rays interact with particles in the interstellar medium, creating pairs of particles that eventually produce lower energy forms of electromagnetic radiation that can reach the photosphere.

Similar threads

  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
6
Views
543
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
11
Views
389
Replies
4
Views
976
  • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
39
Views
2K
Back
Top