What Are Light Echoes? Using Reflections Of Light To See Even Further Back In Time
When we look outward into space, we’re looking backwards in time. That’s because light moves, at the speed of light. It takes time for the light to reach us.
But it gets even stranger than that. Light can be absorbed, reflected, and re-emitted by gas and dust, giving us a second look.
They’re called light echoes, and allow astronomers another way to understand the Universe around us.
Watch the video here:
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Comments (2)
Hi Fraser, once again, excellent job. I continually learn from your content. Thanks! Question: Once humans leave the environs of Earth and the Moon, say on the way to Mars, will the rotation of Earth or the orbit of the Moon be perceptible visually?
If I may say so, "very well done." ~ Fraser, you're always saying that if a question pops into your mind, write it down. I want to mention the concept of light trespass. Have you ever dealt with it? Mercifully, one of my neighbours recently moved away and thus, I'm no longer afflicted by his 200 watt porch light in an unshielded fixture. I could go on to tell other horror stories about light trespass. :(