Photons from stars, such as the sun, do exert a radiation pressure that can theoretically influence the flight paths of nearby celestial bodies, including asteroids. However, the impact of these photons on the orbits of other stars is negligible due to the immense mass of stars and the low intensity of light they emit. Dark matter and dark energy do not factor into these interactions, as they operate on vastly larger cosmic scales. Historical discussions, such as those by physicist Leonard Susskind, highlight that while radiation pressure was significant in the early universe, its effects have diminished considerably since then.
PREREQUISITESAstronomers, astrophysicists, students of cosmology, and anyone interested in the interactions between stars and the fundamental forces of the universe.
ChrisPNZ said:I was just wondering if these same photons would ever be able to effect nearby star systems? Therefore could there be a slight push between star-systems pushing them further apart?
ChrisPNZ said:(Does this come into effect when calculating dark matter/energy?)
ChrisPNZ said:Therefore could there be a slight push between star-systems pushing them further apart?
Indeed, and this was during the radiation era. But the photons that drove the expansion were from the cosmic microwave background, not stars.mrspeedybob said:I remember Susskind, in one of his lectures on youtube, discussing the effects of radiation pressure on cosmological expansion.