How Does Space Stay Cold Without an Atmosphere?

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of temperature in space, particularly the idea of coldness in the absence of an atmosphere. Participants explore the nature of cold as a measure of heat, the implications of lacking matter, and various personal reflections on temperature perception and animal behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how space can be cold without an atmosphere, suggesting that cold is typically associated with air temperature.
  • Another participant defines "coldness" as a measure of the lack of heat, arguing that the absence of matter leads to a lack of heat, thus making it cold.
  • Several participants express confusion about temperature perception, particularly why certain temperatures feel hot or cold relative to human body temperature.
  • There are personal anecdotes about lying on a roof in the sun and the discomfort caused by environmental factors like mosquitoes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the nature of coldness in space or the reasons behind temperature perception. Multiple views and questions remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions of cold and heat, as well as the subjective experience of temperature. There is also a lack of clarity on the relationship between atmospheric conditions and temperature perception.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in concepts of temperature, physics of space, and the subjective experience of heat may find this discussion relevant.

timejim
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Sitting here on this cloudy, rainy day causes my mind to wander. In the voids of space, with no atmosphere, is it cold? If so, how? I thought cold was a measurment of AIR temperature; if no air, how could it be cold? Also, if Spring is nearing why don't I feel more enthusiastic about things? Also, why does a cat "krap" in its own yard while a dog will at least go to the neighbors yard and do its business?
 
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"coldness" is a measure of the lack of heat. Heat as far as you are concerned is usually only present when matter is present. So the lack of matter creates the lack of heat, thus making it "cold."

I think animals do certain things for territoriality.

but on the whole, i have no idea why things do the things they do!, physics only explain the "what is", nothing explains the "why".
 
Why can't i lie on the roof of my house in the blazing sunshine.

thats what i ask myself
 
i don't understand why when it is 25-30 degrees outside, we think its hot, and our body tells us its hot, when our body temperature is 37 degrees.
 
Originally posted by BLUE_CHIP
Why can't i lie on the roof of my house in the blazing sunshine.

thats what i ask myself
OK. I'll bite.
Why can't you?
 
Originally posted by BLUE_CHIP
Why can't i lie on the roof of my house in the blazing sunshine.

thats what i ask myself

Probably too many mosquitos. Or at least that's what happens down here in Florida (hate having to go onto roof)
 

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