Astronomy/space and temp

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Expert: - 3/12/2008


Question
How much temperature is there in the space?

Answer
Hi sonu,
The temperature in outer space, well away from the heat of any
star (like the sun) is about 3 degrees Kelvin (actually 2.73 degrees
above absolute zero).  This is minus 270 on the Celsius scale,
and about minus 455 on the F. scale.
{Absolute Zero is 0 on the Kelvin scale, -273.2 on the Celsius
scale, and about -460 on the F. scale.}
Of course if you happen to be near a star (the sun for instance)
then it's warmer than that, due to the heat and radiation from
the star that you are close to.

This is down from the quintillions of degrees at the Big Bang
event some 13.7 billion years ago, and is still decreasing toward
absolute zero, but it's on a exponential scale, so they figure in
about another 1000 trillion years, it will finally be at
0.001 degree above absolute zero, as the Universe eventually
suffers a "heat death", a long time from now when all the stars run
out of their fusion fuel (hydrogen).
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA USA  

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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