Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of a black hole passing through our solar system and its potential effects on the perception of sunrise and sunset on Earth. Participants explore the implications of gravitational lensing, the nature of black holes, and the conditions under which such phenomena might occur, including the possibility of optical illusions caused by atmospheric conditions.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that a small moving black hole could create a unique solar eclipse, potentially causing the sun to appear to rise in the west.
- Others argue that the effects of a black hole would not result in the sun moving to a different part of the sky, suggesting that the phenomenon would not work as described.
- It is suggested that the gravitational lensing effects of a black hole would not be strong enough to cause significant visual changes in the sun's position.
- Some participants discuss the possibility of different phenomena being observed simultaneously at various locations on Earth due to the motion of a black hole.
- There are mentions of atmospheric refraction potentially creating an illusion of the sun rising in the west under specific conditions, though the feasibility of such phenomena is questioned.
- A later reply introduces the idea that a drastic change in Earth's axial tilt could theoretically cause the sun to rise in different locations, but emphasizes that such an event would require a significant collision with another celestial body.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express multiple competing views regarding the effects of a black hole on the perception of sunrise and sunset. There is no consensus on the feasibility of the proposed scenarios, and several participants challenge each other's claims without reaching a definitive conclusion.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the dependence on specific assumptions about black hole behavior, gravitational lensing effects, and atmospheric conditions. The discussion also reflects uncertainty regarding the long-term stability of Earth's axial tilt in relation to the moon's gravitational influence.