Worldwide, a profound conversation has been sparked by the question: what would happen if sun light stopped forever? This topic gained even more attention and relevance after the recent solar eclipse on April 8, a celestial event that captivated the world.
The solar eclipse lasted for a considerable time, causing people to think about various situations. The most prominent human thought was what would happen if sunlight stopped reaching the Earth forever.
Although this issue is currently being intensely discussed, it has been a subject of debate for a long time. Experts from various fields, including astronomy, physics, and philosophy, have shared their views.
This diversity of opinions highlights the complexity of the topic and the need for further research and discussion.
Carl Sagan’s opinion
The ideology presented by the renowned astronomer Carl Sagan can be considered here. Sagan, born on November 9, 1934, was an American astronomer who was an expert in numerous fields, including planets, space, astrophysics, and space biology.
His scientific articles have contributed significantly to recent studies. Even today, his opinions are relied upon and accepted on many assumptions.
Sagan advocated for scientific scepticism, a critical approach to scientific claims, and the scientific method, a systematic way of acquiring knowledge. He was particularly interested in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, a field that requires rigorous scientific investigation.
As a long-time professor at Cornell University, Sagan has made countless contributions to the scientific field, emphasising the importance of evidence-based reasoning and open-mindedness in scientific research.
Photosynthesis stops completely
Carl Sagan, in his scientific analysis, emphasised the crucial role of sunlight for life on Earth. He explained that if the sun’s light were to be interrupted for a day, the process of photosynthesis, which is vital for the survival of plants, would cease. This would lead to the gradual death of all trees and a halt in other natural biological activities.
Photosynthesis, which is necessary for the survival of plants, would stop immediately. However, large plants that store energy could survive for several years without sunlight.
Sagan also predicted that the absence of sunlight for a week would cause the temperature to plummet to zero degrees Celsius. This is because the sun’s heat is a major contributor to Earth’s temperature, and without it, the planet would rapidly cool.
If this were to happen for a year, the temperature would drop to minus 73 degrees Celsius, and the oceans would freeze over within three years.
Despite the dire circumstances, Sagan pointed out that the oxygen stored in the atmosphere could sustain life, including humans, for thousands of years. This is because oxygen, a by-product of photosynthesis, is a crucial component for respiration and can be stored in the atmosphere for extended periods.
Today’s scientists find it difficult to imagine a world without sunlight, trees and water streams.
The solar eclipse that formed an opinion about the stopping of the sun
On April 8, a significant astronomical event occurred-a total solar eclipse. This rare occurrence, where the moon completely blocks the sun, was visible in certain parts of North and Central America, England, Northern Ireland, and the North Arctic region. The event sparked a global conversation about the sun’s role and what would happen if it were to stop shining.
The Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean were the first to see it. Still, Mexico’s coast was the first to witness a total solar eclipse.
The eclipse travelled north along the Ohio River and exited over Niagara Falls on the US-Canada border.
The international media reported that thousands of people gathered to watch the event and were overjoyed by the experience.
Don’t be afraid now
NASA has recently announced that the last permanent total solar eclipse occurred in 2017. This means North Americans will have to wait until 2044 to witness this kind of solar eclipse again.
However, a complex and intriguing question arises: what would happen if sunlight were lost permanently? Scientists, despite their expertise, have been unable to provide a definitive answer, as the potential scenarios can only be speculated upon through philosophical lenses.
Nevertheless, some argue that the permanent loss of the sun’s function could destroy the world. However, scientists believe that there is no need to rush into discussing such a topic.
