Light, in the vastness of space, does not travel forever. While it can travel incredible distances, its journey eventually ends.
The Fate of Light
- Absorption: Light can be absorbed by matter. When light strikes an object, some of its energy is absorbed, and the object heats up. This is why we feel warmth from the sun.
- Scattering: Light can be scattered by particles in the atmosphere or space. This is why the sky appears blue during the day - the blue light is scattered more than other colors.
- Red Shift: As the universe expands, the light from distant objects gets stretched, causing its wavelength to increase. This is called redshift. Eventually, light can redshift to the point where it becomes undetectable.
Examples
- A beam of light shone into a dark room will eventually be absorbed by the walls, furniture, and other objects.
- Light from distant galaxies is redshifted, making it harder to observe.
- The light from a star can be absorbed by a planet orbiting it, preventing us from seeing the star directly.
Conclusion
Light travels incredibly far, but its journey is not infinite. It can be absorbed, scattered, or redshifted, eventually ending its journey.
