Universe
Universe
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319039448
Author: Robert Geller, Roger Freedman, William J. Kaufmann
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Chapter 25, Problem 1CC
To determine

Whether an infinite, static universe uniformly filled with stars, when viewed from the Moon will appear bright or dark.

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Answer to Problem 1CC

Solution:

An infinite, static universe uniformly filled with stars, when viewed from the Moon, i.e. facing away from the Sun will appear bright.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Newtonian space is assumed to be static and infinite, which is filled with stars uniformly.

Explanation:

According to the Newtonian model, if the universe is infinite with stars filled in it, then even the night sky should appear bright.

So, when the space is viewed facing away from the Sun, it should be bright. The distant stars would appear dimmer, but the sky will be bright due to the great number of stars in any given patch of sky.

But in reality this is not the case and it appears dark. This is the Olbers paradox.

Conclusion:

The sky must appear bright, when assumed that the universe is infinite and static, uniformly filled with stars.

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