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SIO384: Even More Askings of Astrophysicist Bryan!
Sep 7, 2023
Astrophysicist Dr. Bryan Gillis answers fascinating questions about the universe, discussing topics such as the limits of length in quantum mechanics, the comparison between gamma ray bursts and fast radio bursts, complexity in string theory, type two civilizations and star explosions, advice for starting a career in STEM, the size of the universe, and generations of stars and their composition.
48:33
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Quick takeaways
- Photons take a unique path when escaping the Sun, with some taking hundreds of thousands or even millions of years.
- Stars are classified into generations based on the amount of metal they contain, impacting their aging and life cycle phases.
Deep dives
The Time It Takes for Photons to Escape the Sun
The documentary's explanation of the time it takes for photons to escape the Sun may have been misleading. The process is known as a random walk, and each photon takes a unique path. While it is true that photons can bounce around for a long time before escaping, there is a range of possible durations. Some may escape in around 100,000 years, while others may take hundreds of thousands or even millions of years. The time it takes for a photon to escape depends on various factors, such as absorption, re-emission, and deflection within the Sun.
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