Can Humans Survive Sun's Explosion by Escaping to Another Planet?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a hypothetical scenario where an alien ship offers to rescue humans from Earth following a catastrophic explosion of the Sun, caused by a laser flash from the aliens. The Sun is located 8 light-minutes from Earth, and the explosion emits a pulse of particles that will strip away Earth's atmosphere. Participants debate the implications of light speed and the timing of the explosion's effects, specifically questioning how the radiation could impact Earth after the visual confirmation of the explosion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic astrophysics, particularly the speed of light and its implications.
  • Familiarity with the concept of light-minutes as a measure of astronomical distances.
  • Knowledge of particle physics, specifically the behavior of particles in relation to light speed.
  • Awareness of atmospheric science and the effects of solar radiation on planetary atmospheres.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of light speed and its effects on astronomical events.
  • Explore the concept of atmospheric loss due to solar radiation and particle impacts.
  • Study the potential for human colonization of other planets, focusing on genetic diversity and survival strategies.
  • Investigate the technological capabilities of hypothetical alien civilizations in space travel and planetary evacuation.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for astrophysicists, science fiction writers, educators in physics, and anyone interested in the implications of cosmic events on human survival and space colonization.

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Homework Statement


You and a group of female and male friends stand outdoors at dusk watching the Sun set and noticing the planet Venus in the same direction as the Sun. An alien ship lands beside you at the same instant that you see the Sun explode. The aliens admit that earlier they shot a laser flash at the Sun, which caused the explosion. They warn that the Sun's explosion emitted an immense pulse of particles that will blow away Earth's atmosphere. In confirmation, a short time after the aliens land you notice Venus suddenly change color. You and your friends plead with the aliens to take your group away from Earth in order to establish the human gene pool elsewhere. They agree. Describe the conditions under which your escape plan will succeed. Be specific and use numbers. Assume that the sun is 8 light-minutes from Earth and Venus is 2 light-minutes from Earth.


The Attempt at a Solution


This has got me confused. If the exploding Sun emits planet-color-changing radiation when it explodes, wouldn't said radiation affect the Earth as soon as you can see the explosion? It's almost as if the problem is implying that the radiation is moving slower than c, which to my knowledge doesn't happen.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"They warn that the Sun's explosion emitted an immense pulse of particles..."

Particles move slower than the speed of light.
 

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