Redshift & Far Distant Stars: Effects on Temperature

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of redshift on the temperature of far distant stars and its implications for understanding the universe, particularly in relation to Olber's paradox and the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding cosmology and the nature of the universe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that redshift results in decreased heat from distant stars, leading to a lower equilibrium temperature compared to average stars.
  • Another participant agrees with the logic of redshift contributing to the discovery of the CMB, noting that the CMB is not directly related to stars but rather to the surface of last scattering.
  • A different viewpoint argues that redshift does help address Olber's paradox, which contrasts the expected illumination of a static, infinite universe with the observed black night sky, supporting the big bang theory and the expanding universe model.
  • Another participant challenges the relevance of redshift to Olber's paradox, suggesting that in a steady state universe, there would be an equal number of stars approaching and receding, which complicates the argument.
  • It is proposed that Olber's paradox has effectively demonstrated that a steady state, infinite universe would not resemble the universe we observe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of redshift for temperature and its relationship to Olber's paradox. There is no consensus on how redshift interacts with these concepts, indicating ongoing debate and exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference assumptions about the nature of the universe, the role of redshift, and the implications for cosmological models without resolving these complexities. The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions and interpretations of cosmological phenomena.

samsara15
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Wouldn't the Redshift result in decreased heat from far distant stars, resulting in an equilibirum temperature, much lower than the average star?
 
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Yes. That logic led to the discovery of the CMB...though it isn't stars that is seen in the CMB, but the surface of last scattering.

Doesn't help much with Obler's paradox though.
 
Actually it does help.
Obler's paradox refers to a night sky that would be illuminated if the universe was static and infinite, in contrast with what we do see, a black night sky. A static universe would not have the observed Redshift ( capitalized as in the question ), so a black might sky is used as evidence in support of the big bang theory, expanding universe, along with the CMB and its redshift.
 
samsara15 said:
Wouldn't the Redshift result in decreased heat from far distant stars, resulting in an equilibirum temperature, much lower than the average star?

The Olber Paradox doesn't refer to a Universe where red shift is relevant -in any case, to deal with your red shift point, in a stead state Universe, surely there would be as many stars approaching us as receding.

The Olber paradox has done its job, you could say, in that it has shown that a steady state, infinite Universe would not appear like our Universe does.
 

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