If It Is So Cold In Outer Space How Does The Sun Warm The Earth?

From the internet: Electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, infrared radiation, ultraviolet light and X-rays, can travel through the vacuum of space. Other forms of energy require a physical media to move through. For example, sound energy needs air or another substance to be transmitted, and the wave energy of the oceans needs water. Solar energy, however, can travel from the sun to the Earth without the need for a physical substance to transmit the energy. This feature of electromagnetic energy makes it possible for the Earth to receive solar energy, including heat.
 

Exactly. Also, radiant energy is absorbed by the atoms of substances that make up the earth's crust, oceans and atmosphere. This causes the electrons to become 'excited' and jump up from low energy orbits (quantum levels) to higher energy quantum levels.. We register this change as an increase in temperature.

Space is effectively a vacuum, so few atoms to absorb any energy and too few to register any warming as the radiation passes through.
 
I always fancied the idea of going into space, but if it's that cold and I'd need 20 layers of clothes. Hmmmm, sod that for a lark. ;)
 
Warrigal said:
Exactly. Also, radiant energy is absorbed by the atoms of substances that make up the earth's crust, oceans and atmosphere. This causes the electrons to become 'excited' and jump up from low energy orbits (quantum levels) to higher energy quantum levels.. We register this change as an increase in temperature.

Space is effectively a vacuum, so few atoms to absorb any energy and too few to register any warming as the radiation passes through.
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I so enjoy hearing a woman discuss quantum physics. Very nicely explained. 😁
 
Well think of it this way.

Why do we have winter and summer when the sun hits the Earth all the time?

The reason for the seasons is because the Earth tilts and the suns rays in the winter in the areas affected comes in at a lower angle and is not as effective as overhead.

The ultra violet rays are more pronounced in the summer.

This is from memory and I don't know if I have it right but I hate winter anyway.

The equator has a more stable temperature because it doesn't tilt as far.
 
Good information, now someone tell me where Hell is an just how hot t is? p.s. an Asteroid the size of the Empire State Building just passes by Earth two days ago just missing us by 3 million miles. In 9 years NASA is tracking one that will pass only 19,000 miles above Earths surface.
 
I can only believe that our existence as mortals on a tiny planet among the billions in the Milky Way surly must be in the hands or guidance of a higher power. When I perish my only wish is that someone tells me why and what for?
 
Warrigal said:
Exactly. Also, radiant energy is absorbed by the atoms of substances that make up the earth's crust, oceans and atmosphere. This causes the electrons to become 'excited' and jump up from low energy orbits (quantum levels) to higher energy quantum levels.. We register this change as an increase in temperature.

Space is effectively a vacuum, so few atoms to absorb any energy and too few to register any warming as the radiation passes through.
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Just curious, do you think we are alone in the Universe?
 
It is a possibility that somewhere in the vastness of the Universe there is one, maybe more planets where the conditions are conducive to the evolution of life forms but given those vast distances we are very unlikely to ever make contact. There is no Planet B out there waiting for humans to find and colonise.
 
Judycat said:
Because the Sun is really really really hot. We could move the Earth a little closer if you want a demonstration.
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No that's not quite right because the Earth is in an elliptical orbit and sometimes it's closer and other times it's farther away and it doesn't make any difference or the global warming argument would point it out.
norman said:
Just curious, do you think we are alone in the Universe?
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My opinion? We are alone in the Universe at this particular time. The Earth didn't have humans on it from the beginning. My thinking is that the Earth is a fluke in the Universe. We just happen to be the right distance from the sun with an atmosphere that protects us from harmful radiation of our sun and we are blessed with liquid water in huge quantities.
If you go up a distance you will not have any oxygen to survive. And the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere keeps things from burning up.
The minute you leave the Earth you run into a hostile cold formidable place.
It won't always be that way. The sun will eventually burn all its fuel and then it's ball game over for the Earth and the inner planets as well.
There's no life on the moon and it's relatively close let's say relative to Mars.
 
norman said:
Good information, now someone tell me where Hell is an just how hot t is? p.s. an Asteroid the size of the Empire State Building just passes by Earth two days ago just missing us by 3 million miles. In 9 years NASA is tracking one that will pass only 19,000 miles above Earths surface.
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Where is hell? The explanation I saw is that it's people.
 
Now here's a thought.....
At a time when the population of Earth is busting at the seams, there could be another planet with a similar problem, only those little green buggers could be planning to come here to exterminate us and take over Seniors Forum......:LOL:
 
Camper6 said:
No that's not quite right because the Earth is in an elliptical orbit and sometimes it's closer and other times it's farther away and it doesn't make any difference or the global warming argument would point it out.

My opinion? We are alone in the Universe at this particular time. The Earth didn't have humans on it from the beginning. My thinking is that the Earth is a fluke in the Universe. We just happen to be the right distance from the sun with an atmosphere that protects us from harmful radiation of our sun and we are blessed with liquid water in huge quantities.
If you go up a distance you will not have any oxygen to survive. And the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere keeps things from burning up.
The minute you leave the Earth you run into a hostile cold formidable place.
It won't always be that way. The sun will eventually burn all its fuel and then it's ball game over for the Earth and the inner planets as well.
There's no life on the moon and it's relatively close let's say relative to Mars.
Click to expand...
I tend to agree we are alone with one exception, I believe there exist a spirit world.
 

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