Cynicism VS Wisdom, How Big Do Black Holes Grow, Sky on Mars | Q&A 184

TL;DR

Fraser Cain answers space-related questions from viewers in a weekly show.

Transcript

Fraser Cain: Hi, everyone. My name is Fraser Cain. I'm the publisher of Universe Today. I've been a space in astronomy journalist for over 20 years. This is the question show, of course, we're generating tons of news. We're having tons of interviews, new segments, stuff on Universe Today, it's making a lot of questions in people's minds. And this i... Read More

Key Insights

• 😚 Parker Solar Probe comes close to the Sun but doesn't interact with solar prominences.
• 🤩 Stars with about 90% of the Sun's mass can reach the red giant stage after approximately 14 billion years.
• 💗 Black holes grow continuously by consuming material, including dark matter.
• 🛴 Earth could eventually be kicked out of the Solar System due to interactions with other planets or consumed by the expanding Sun.

Questions & Answers

Q: How close does Parker Solar Probe get to the Sun, and could it interact with solar prominences?

Parker Solar Probe has reached within 6.4 million kilometers of the Sun, not close enough to interact with solar prominences, which can reach 800,000 kilometers.

Q: What is the smallest mass for a star to reach the red giant stage based on current Universe age?

Stars with about 90% of the Sun's mass, near the G9 level, can reach the red giant stage after about 14 billion years.

Q: Can black holes grow endlessly, and do they consume dark matter?

Black holes can grow indefinitely as long as they have material to consume, including dark matter, which adds to their mass.

Q: How would Earth lose its orbit around the Sun?

Earth could be kicked out of the Solar System due to interactions with other planets or be consumed by the expanding Sun in its red giant phase.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Fraser Cain, an experienced space journalist, hosts a show to answer audience questions on space-related topics.

• Questions range from the Parker Solar Probe's proximity to the Sun to the smallest mass for a star to reach the red giant stage.

• Cain discusses topics like dark energy, black holes, potential telescope designs, and the future of space exploration.