If the Sun was to suddenly "Go out", how long would it take you to realize it?
The earth is ~150 million km (147-152 million) from the sun. Light moves at 300,000 km/second. Dividing the 2, you get 500 seconds which turns out to be 8m 20s. At the earth's closest point it would take 490 seconds and at the furthest point would take 508 seconds.
You might want to keep your winter coat close in case this happens!
More Info:
www.universetoday.com
What are your thoughts on this subject?
113 Comments
Gregory Chandler
If the sun WERE to..... One must use the subjunctive mood in this sentence.
Replace "was" with were.
William Laughlin
Thank you for that. I would have said something, but there are those who jump down my throat for making such corrections, despite my being correct. Beware the comment Nazis!
Larry Sherman
The answer relates to the speed of light, but what if due to the earth's 24 hour rotation, your position on the earth was 180 degrees away from the sun?
twohowlingdogs
Had to remember this for a test in Physics, a class I hated, so I remembered it was 8 minutes something. And right now, I need a coat and the sun is still shinning!
Kenney Devey
tesla alset, No kidding Tesla, that is amazing, thank you.
Kenney Devey
Billie Ann Knott, If you do not agree, Billie, why not tell us why and possibly we or you would lean something.
Kenney Devey
Billie Ann Knott, Brad Schwebler, The Moon would go out.
Dave Freese
And a torch either side. Forever!
Colin David Field
Larry Sherman, then you would miss the show
Susan Cece MacVicar
9 out of 10.
robert karel
Elma Griffiths, me too! I chose instantly!
robert karel
Gregory Chandler, who is you?
robert karel
williamrlaughlin, it’s ok to shut up sometimes and learn!
robert karel
Lynne Zeman, your funny looking!
robert karel
Gregory Chandler, this isn’t a class on grammar!
robert karel
If it happened at night I’d be sleeping and I would find out in the morning.
Lynne Zeman
Wow - I left of the "million". The sun is 93 million miles from the earth. Otherwise we would all be rather crispy and taste good with ketchup. Also divide secs per min on the speed of light. Gotta pay more attention to what I write. I know what I mean but.....
Lynne Zeman
For Americans - the sun is approx 93 miles away from the earth. Divide by the speed of light approx 186200 miles per hour, divided by min per hour = 8.324.
Many of the questions regarding night and day are very funny.
Alan Waites
Paul Bison, what if it was at night