The discussion revolves around calculating the potential energy of the sun due to its self-gravity, the total power radiated by the sun as a blackbody, and estimating the sun's lifetime based on gravitational energy. The subject area includes gravitational potential energy, blackbody radiation, and energy conservation principles in astrophysics.
Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing calculations and questioning each other's approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the Stefan-Boltzmann law and the importance of unit consistency in calculations. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the calculations, but participants are collaboratively working through the problem.
There are indications of confusion regarding the application of formulas and the interpretation of units, particularly in the context of energy calculations. Participants are encouraged to clarify their steps and assumptions to facilitate better understanding.
hobobobo said:Well I did the lifetime = (energy) / (rate [energy/time] at which sun emits energy) which I got 8.55x10^14 which is a really really big number, that number is bigger than a trillion lol.
hobobobo said:Well I did the lifetime = (energy) / (rate [energy/time] at which sun emits energy) which I got 8.55x10^14 which is a really really big number, that number is bigger than a trillion lol.