Redshift & Far Distant Stars: Effects on Temperature

In summary, the conversation discusses the role of the Redshift in the discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and its impact on the Olber's paradox. The CMB, which is not caused by stars but by the surface of last scattering, along with the observed Redshift, is used as evidence to support the big bang theory and the expanding universe. The Olber's paradox, which refers to a night sky that would be illuminated in a static and infinite universe, is used to demonstrate that our universe is not steady state.
  • #1
samsara15
17
0
Wouldn't the Redshift result in decreased heat from far distant stars, resulting in an equilibirum temperature, much lower than the average star?
 
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  • #2
Yes. That logic led to the discovery of the CMB...though it isn't stars that is seen in the CMB, but the surface of last scattering.

Doesn't help much with Obler's paradox though.
 
  • #3
Actually it does help.
Obler's paradox refers to a night sky that would be illuminated if the universe was static and infinite, in contrast with what we do see, a black night sky. A static universe would not have the observed Redshift ( capitalized as in the question ), so a black might sky is used as evidence in support of the big bang theory, expanding universe, along with the CMB and its redshift.
 
  • #4
samsara15 said:
Wouldn't the Redshift result in decreased heat from far distant stars, resulting in an equilibirum temperature, much lower than the average star?

The Olber Paradox doesn't refer to a Universe where red shift is relevant -in any case, to deal with your red shift point, in a stead state Universe, surely there would be as many stars approaching us as receding.

The Olber paradox has done its job, you could say, in that it has shown that a steady state, infinite Universe would not appear like our Universe does.
 
  • #5


Yes, the redshift of light from far distant stars can result in a decrease in the amount of heat that reaches us on Earth. This is because redshift is caused by the expansion of the universe, which stretches out the wavelengths of light, making them appear redder and less energetic. This means that the light emitted by a star will have less energy when it reaches us, resulting in a decrease in the amount of heat energy that is transferred to our planet.

However, it is important to note that the decrease in heat energy is not significant enough to cause a drastic change in the average temperature on Earth. This is because the amount of heat energy that reaches us from distant stars is already fairly low compared to the heat energy that comes from our own sun. Additionally, the decrease in heat energy from redshift is counteracted by other factors such as the Earth's atmosphere and the absorption and scattering of light.

In fact, the redshift of light from distant stars can actually provide valuable information about the temperature and distance of these stars. By measuring the redshift, scientists can calculate the temperature of the star and determine its distance from Earth. This allows us to study and understand the characteristics of these far distant stars in more detail.

Overall, while the redshift of light from far distant stars may result in a decrease in heat energy, it is not significant enough to cause a major impact on the average temperature on Earth. It is, however, an important factor to consider in studying and understanding the properties of these distant stars.
 

1. What is redshift and how does it affect temperature in far distant stars?

Redshift is the phenomenon where light from an object appears to have a longer wavelength, which indicates that the object is moving away from us. In far distant stars, redshift causes the light to have a lower frequency, resulting in a decrease in temperature.

2. How does the distance of a star affect its temperature?

The distance of a star does not directly affect its temperature. However, due to the inverse-square law, the intensity of light from a star decreases as distance increases. This means that a star's apparent brightness and temperature will decrease as it gets farther away from Earth.

3. Why do some far distant stars have lower temperatures than closer stars?

Far distant stars appear to have lower temperatures because of redshift. The light from these stars has a longer wavelength, which indicates that they are moving away from us. This causes the temperature to appear lower due to the decrease in frequency of the light.

4. How do scientists measure the temperature of far distant stars?

Scientists use a variety of methods to measure the temperature of far distant stars. One method is through spectroscopy, which analyzes the light emitted by the star to determine its temperature. Another method is through blackbody radiation, which uses the star's color and brightness to estimate its temperature.

5. Can redshift affect our understanding of a star's temperature?

Yes, redshift can affect our understanding of a star's temperature. It can cause the light from a star to appear cooler than it actually is, which can lead to incorrect estimations of the star's temperature. This is why scientists must take redshift into account when studying far distant stars.

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