Not to out-Verne Verne, but almost all of the naked-eye stars are within about a hundred lightyears. The handful of more distant things we can see without a telescope are either nebulas that turn out to be other galaxies, like the one in Orion’s belt, or one of a very few sorta-near supergiants. So, odds are that whatever star was pointed at, it’s less than a century older than it looks. (Fortunately, none of the naked eye stars seem likely to do something rude like supernova, although Betelgeuse is borderline IIRC.)
Stars communicate with each other instantaneously, but through means which we lack the technology to detect. All they “say” to each other is “I’m here. Are you there?” “Yep, I’m here. Are you there?” “Yep.”
It seems like dreadfully dull conversation to us, but it’s what holds the universe together. And when we finally learn to ride THESE rails, it’ll make interstellar transportation viable.
This is also the origin of our belief in God. At an unconscious level we are constantly being told by our sun “I’m here.” Some people find that comforting, others do not, but comfort is not the INTENTION of the message; it’s simply a declarative statement. No response is expected, and even if a return message were possible it would be uncomprehended.
It’s not that it takes light so long, but rather that its sources outside our solar system are so far away. Not like Verne to be careless and imprecise that way.
dvandom over 3 years ago
Not to out-Verne Verne, but almost all of the naked-eye stars are within about a hundred lightyears. The handful of more distant things we can see without a telescope are either nebulas that turn out to be other galaxies, like the one in Orion’s belt, or one of a very few sorta-near supergiants. So, odds are that whatever star was pointed at, it’s less than a century older than it looks. (Fortunately, none of the naked eye stars seem likely to do something rude like supernova, although Betelgeuse is borderline IIRC.)
Cheapskate0 over 3 years ago
Gotta love comic strip physics!
Breadboard over 3 years ago
Nice comeback Verne !
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member over 3 years ago
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html
R.R.Bedford over 3 years ago
Where can I buy a cuddly George stuffed animal?
Ellis97 over 3 years ago
In space, no one can hear you scream. I’m starting to doubt that.
Jeffin Premium Member over 3 years ago
Quit yelling Verne!
nosirrom over 3 years ago
Now that’s spooky action at a distance.
fritzoid Premium Member over 3 years ago
Stars communicate with each other instantaneously, but through means which we lack the technology to detect. All they “say” to each other is “I’m here. Are you there?” “Yep, I’m here. Are you there?” “Yep.”
It seems like dreadfully dull conversation to us, but it’s what holds the universe together. And when we finally learn to ride THESE rails, it’ll make interstellar transportation viable.
This is also the origin of our belief in God. At an unconscious level we are constantly being told by our sun “I’m here.” Some people find that comforting, others do not, but comfort is not the INTENTION of the message; it’s simply a declarative statement. No response is expected, and even if a return message were possible it would be uncomprehended.
Andrew Sleeth over 3 years ago
It’s not that it takes light so long, but rather that its sources outside our solar system are so far away. Not like Verne to be careless and imprecise that way.
Serial Pedant over 3 years ago
But not r****l physics.
dcoyote over 3 years ago
I love George and his curiosity :)
Widdershins over 3 years ago
Comic physics is the best physics. :)