Why is Space Black? Can it be Explained?

  • Thread starter kramer733
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Space
In summary, the conversation discusses the color black and its explanation as the absence of color. It is also mentioned that the sky appears blue due to light scattering from air molecules and the fact that there is no light between stars in space. The concept of Olbers' Paradox is also mentioned as a possible explanation for the color black.
  • #1
kramer733
323
0
Why isn't it any other color? Can it be explained?
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #2
Black is the absence of color.
 
  • #3
The sky is blue because the air molecules scatter light so that you see not only light coming directly from the sun and stars but also all of the scattered light that eventually gets to your eye.

In space there is (almost) nothing to scatter light so if you are looking directly at a start you will see light from it- but no light beteen stars. No light means no color and, as Russ Watters said, no color means black.
 
  • #5
More specifically, if you're seeing black, it means no visible light is scattering towards you from the region you're seeing black.
 
  • #6
Olber's paradox, not enough galaxies and stars to fill in the gaps. Olber deduced our universe cannot be both spatially and temporally infinite.
 

1. Why is space black?

Space appears black because it is mostly empty, which means there is a lack of matter to reflect or emit light. Unlike Earth's atmosphere, which contains particles that scatter light and create a blue sky, space does not have any particles to scatter sunlight.

2. Can space be explained?

Yes, scientists have been studying space for centuries and have been able to explain many of its properties and phenomena. However, there are still many mysteries and unanswered questions about space that continue to be studied.

3. What is the color of space?

Space does not have a specific color, as it is mostly empty. However, it appears black because our eyes perceive the absence of light as darkness.

4. Is space actually black or just appears black to us?

Space is actually black, as it is a vacuum with very low levels of light. However, certain objects within space, such as stars and galaxies, emit light and can be seen from Earth.

5. Does the color of space change?

The color of space does not change, as it is a vacuum with no atmosphere or other factors that could affect its color. However, the appearance of space can change depending on factors such as the amount of light reaching it, the position of celestial bodies, and the angle of observation.

Similar threads

Replies
25
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
372
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
731
Replies
2
Views
746
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
65
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Back
Top