Is distant starlite coherant?

  • Thread starter brianhurren
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In summary: Canopus, becomes coherent by the time it reaches us. He also asks if we can make an astrohologram if it is coherent. The responder clarifies the meaning of "coherent" and explains that star light can be mildly polarized but not necessarily coherent. The responder also mentions that parallel light rays in phase are considered coherent.
  • #1
brianhurren
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2
by the time light from a distant star reaches us, let's say from Canopus, does the light become coherent?

and if it is coherent, can you make an astrohologram?
 
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  • #2
How do you mean "coherent"?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coherence_(physics [Broken])
... like a laser you mean?
Short answer: no.
 
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  • #3
Perhaps you meant polarized instead of coherent. That too is essentially untrue. You can test this yourself by viewing stars through a polarized lens, then rotate the lens 90 degrees and see if the stars changes in brightness. Star light can be mildly polarized due to scattering by dust particles over vast distances and also by strong magnetic fields on the star.
 
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  • #4
... possibly just thinking of the light being parallel?
@brianhurren: any of this useful?
 
  • #5
If two observers are near, the light rays from such a distance source may be considered as coherent because, the angle between the light rays is too small and negligible. Theoretically, this assumption is valid
 
  • #7
Varadha said:
If two observers are near, the light rays from such a distance source may be considered as coherent because, the angle between the light rays is too small and negligible. Theoretically, this assumption is valid
Saying that light rays are parallel does not mean they are coherent.
 
  • #8
HallsofIvy said:
Saying that light rays are parallel does not mean they are coherent.

Oh. Sorry. I thought any parallel rays in phase are coherent
 
  • #9
Varadha said:
Oh. Sorry. I thought any parallel rays in phase are coherent

yes they are, but that wasnt in your statement earlier, you didnt mention anything about them being in phase

Dave
 

What is distant starlite?

Distant starlite refers to the light emitted by stars that are located far away from our planet, often outside of our own galaxy. This light travels through space and reaches us on Earth, allowing us to observe and study distant stars.

What does it mean for distant starlite to be coherent?

Coherence refers to the property of light waves where they maintain a constant phase relationship with each other. In other words, the peaks and troughs of the light waves align with each other, resulting in a stable and predictable pattern. In the context of distant starlite, coherence is important because it allows us to accurately analyze and interpret the information carried by the light.

How do scientists determine if distant starlite is coherent?

There are several methods that scientists use to determine the coherence of distant starlite. One common technique is to measure the interference patterns of the light waves, where coherent waves will produce a distinct and regular pattern. Another method involves analyzing the polarization of the light, which can provide information about the coherence of the source.

Why is the coherence of distant starlite important?

The coherence of distant starlite is important because it can provide valuable information about the source of the light. By studying the coherence, scientists can learn about the physical properties and behavior of the star, such as its temperature, composition, and movement. Coherence also allows for more accurate and detailed observations of distant stars, leading to a better understanding of the universe.

Can distant starlite ever lose its coherence?

Yes, distant starlite can lose its coherence over long distances due to various factors such as interactions with interstellar gases and dust, gravitational lensing, and the expansion of the universe. However, for most practical purposes, the coherence of distant starlite remains intact and can be studied by scientists.

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