Stars: Light from the Past, End in Sight?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of the light we see from stars being billions of years old and the concept of the end of the transmission eventually catching up to the light we see. It also mentions the possibility of witnessing a star becoming a supernova and the potential end of its brightness. The question of whether this radiating could be the end of a series of photons is also raised.
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homerwho
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If the light we are viewing while looking at the stars has left the origin(guess) billions of years ago. So I propose, maybe not in anyone's lifetime the end of the transmission is following the light we are absorbing today. Is that a standing wave buffered, however variable with an end if we lived long enough?
 
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Hi.
We may find one of these stars become a supernova tomorrow. After brightness it will cease shining.
 
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mitochan said:
Hi.
We may find one of these stars become a supernova tomorrow. After brightness it will cease shining.
could that radiating be the end of a series of photons
 

FAQ: Stars: Light from the Past, End in Sight?

1. What is the concept of "light from the past" when it comes to stars?

The concept of "light from the past" refers to the fact that the light we see from stars has traveled through space for many years before reaching our eyes. This means that the light we see from a star may have been emitted from the star hundreds or even thousands of years ago, giving us a glimpse into the star's past.

2. How do scientists determine the distance of a star?

Scientists use a variety of methods to determine the distance of a star, including parallax measurements, spectroscopy, and the use of standard candles such as Cepheid variables. These methods allow scientists to calculate the distance of a star by measuring its apparent brightness and comparing it to its known or estimated absolute brightness.

3. Can we see the end of a star's life?

Yes, we can see the end of a star's life. When a star reaches the end of its life, it goes through a series of stages, including a supernova explosion and the formation of a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole. These events can be observed by scientists through telescopes and other instruments.

4. How do stars produce light?

Stars produce light through the process of nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms fuse together to form helium. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, which is emitted as light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

5. Are all stars the same age?

No, not all stars are the same age. Stars can vary greatly in age, with some being as young as a few million years old and others being billions of years old. The age of a star depends on its mass, with larger stars having shorter lifetimes due to the faster rate of nuclear fusion in their cores.

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