Are Stars Absorbing and Re-Emitting Radiation from Space?

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SUMMARY

Stars do absorb radiation from space and re-emit that energy, but the dominant source of their emission is internal generation. The absorbed radiation is mixed with the energy produced internally, making it indistinguishable from the star's own emissions. This understanding clarifies the misconception that stars function solely as blackbodies, highlighting their complex interaction with external radiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stellar physics
  • Knowledge of blackbody radiation concepts
  • Familiarity with energy generation in stars
  • Basic principles of radiation absorption and emission
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of blackbody radiation in astrophysics
  • Explore the internal energy generation processes in stars
  • Study the interaction of stellar radiation with surrounding space
  • Learn about the methods used to measure stellar emissions
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Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in the mechanisms of stellar radiation and energy transfer in space.

nmsurobert
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Ive been reading about it for a while and I'm still confused.

i understand that a star is not a perfect blackbody. but do stars absorb radiation from space and then re-emit that energy into space?
 
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Stars can absorb radiation from space. By far the dominant emission is from interal generation. Any absorbed radiation is mixed in. There is no way to distinguish the emission of absorbed radiation from that internally produced.
 
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