How can light be detectable everywhere?

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The discussion revolves around the detectability of photons emitted from a single atom, using the Sun as a hypothetical example. It explores how a photon can be detected from various distances and directions over immense time spans, such as 10 billion years. Participants clarify that while photons are emitted in random directions, only those along the trajectory of the emitted photon can be detected, emphasizing the statistical nature of light detection. The conversation also touches on the vast number of photons emitted by stars, which makes detection possible even from great distances. Ultimately, the complexities of photon behavior and detection are highlighted, leading to a better understanding of light's properties.
  • #31
The fact that familiar processes appear to exhibit causality could just make it a difficult thing to do without. But causality may just be a 'local' thing. Newton's laws and all the others are very handy for most of our lives but that could be as far as it goes..
 
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  • #32

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