- #1
Martyn Arthur
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When photons from distant stars [etc] are received why does the rest of the electromagnetic spectrum not reach us.
Why Don't All Photons from Distant Stars Reach Us?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter Martyn Arthur
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the reception of photons from distant stars and why it appears that not all wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum reach us. Participants explore the nature of photons, their emission, and the effects of interstellar materials on different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the assumption that the entire electromagnetic spectrum from distant stars reaches us, suggesting that certain wavelengths may be absorbed or scattered by interstellar materials.
- Others argue that photons are indeed the carriers of all electromagnetic radiation, implying that while some photons may be absorbed, many still reach Earth across various frequencies.
- A participant highlights that interstellar and intergalactic materials are generally transparent to radio waves but not always to visible light, indicating a difference in how various wavelengths propagate through space.
- Another participant emphasizes that electromagnetic emissions are often frequency-specific, noting that different sources emit radiation at specific frequencies, which may affect what is received.
- There is a clarification that photons are quantum packets of energy associated with specific frequencies, which may contribute to the misunderstanding about their emission across the spectrum.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on whether all wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation from distant stars reach us, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference the effects of interstellar materials on different frequencies and the frequency-specific nature of electromagnetic emissions, but these points are not fully resolved or agreed upon.
- #2
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Martyn Arthur said:
What makes you think it doesn't?
- #3
A.T.
Science Advisor
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- #4
lightarrow
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In comparison to radio waves (in general) it's usually the opposite because interstellar and intergalactic materials (powders, etc) are transparent to radio waves but not always to visible light.Martyn Arthur said:
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lightarrow
- #5
trainman2001
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Am I missing something, but aren't photons the carrier of all electromagnetic radiation regardless of frequency? So they're all being emitted, some are absorbed or transduced along the way, but a lot reaches us. We view the cosmos in many frequencies right here on Earth.
- #6
davenn
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trainman2001 said:
No they are not.
EM emissions is mostly frequency specific ... eg. monochromatic light ... a red laser ... is very frequency specific radio, TV broadcasts ...
else why would they bother to give you a specific frequency to tune to for your favourite FM radio station eg. 101.7 MHz
Some sources are broad band, but even then not necessarily/not likely to be right across the whole spectrum
ohhh and photons are quantum packets of energy (at a specific frequency)
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