Deflection of light passing close to the sun

AI Thread Summary
Light passing close to the sun is primarily affected by gravity rather than the sun's magnetic field, which does not significantly deflect light. The predicted deflection of light due to gravity is about 1.75 arc seconds, as confirmed by Eddington's measurements in 1919. While space near the sun's corona is not a true vacuum and has increased density due to solar wind, this density is still too low to measurably divert light. The consensus is that gravity is the dominant factor affecting light's path near the sun. Overall, the magnetic field's influence on light is negligible compared to gravitational effects.
Lesnick
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I would like to know how much light passing close to the sun will be deflected by the suns magnetic field and the increase in density of space around the suns corona.
 
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Lesnick said:
I would like to know how much light passing close to the sun will be deflected by the suns magnetic field and the increase in density of space around the suns corona.
What makes you think that
a] magnetic fields deflect light, and
b] space has a density?
 
I don't believe the magnetic field would affect the light. However the gravity would definately. Not sure how much though.
 
Drakkith said:
I don't believe the magnetic field would affect the light. However the gravity would definately. Not sure how much though.

1.75 arc seconds is relativity's prediction, and what Eddington measured in 1919.
 
Space is not a true vacum, The solar wind is measured by its proton and electron flux, the closer you get to the suns corona the density of the protons and electrons will be much greater compared to the surounding space. I am not sure if this is dense enough to affect the passage of light.
 
Even near the surface of the sun matter density is too low to measurable divert the path of photons.
 

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