Absolute zero for the boomerang nebula?

In summary, the Boomerang nebula, a planetary nebula, has been found to be expanding at a rapid rate and has a temperature of just ~1 degree K. This could potentially make it a candidate for a Bose-Einstein Condensate for certain elements.
  • #1
wolram
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hi, can anyone confirm the 1degree above absolute zero for the
boomerang nebula?
 
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  • #2


Originally posted by wolram
hi, can anyone confirm the 1degree above absolute zero for the
boomerang nebula?
It would be similar to the Freon (sp?) in your AC system, or any expanding gasses which, as you know, drop in temperature when moving from a compressed state to a less compressed state. Just like the AC in your house or car, or even the fire extinguisher.

This is not a "confirmation", but the Boomerang nebula, a planetary nebula, is found to be expanding at a rapid rate that is 10 to 100 times faster than other known planetary nebula. This rapid expansion equals a fast drop in temperature, enough to be at just ~1 degree K.
 
  • #3
thanks LABGUY, straying from the origonal question, if you can have
a 1k nebula is it going to far to say that there may be bose einstein
condition in space?
 
  • #4
Originally posted by wolram
thanks LABGUY, straying from the origonal question, if you can have
a 1k nebula is it going to far to say that there may be bose einstein
condition in space?
It could be. Helium will "degrade" at about 2.17*K, and Sodium took it down to 1 millionth *K in the MIT laser experiment. I guess it totally depends on the element, and temperature of course, but that 1*K nebula should certainly apply as a candidate for a Bose-Einstein Condensate for certain elements... (?)
 
  • #5
thanks once more labguy, the posibilities get more interesting...
 

1. What is absolute zero?

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature that can be reached, at which point all molecular motion stops. It is equivalent to 0 Kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius.

2. Why is the boomerang nebula important in studying absolute zero?

The boomerang nebula is important because it is the coldest known object in the universe with a temperature of only 1 Kelvin. Studying this object can provide valuable insights into the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures.

3. How was the temperature of the boomerang nebula measured?

The temperature of the boomerang nebula was measured using radio telescopes that detect the radiation emitted by the cold gas and dust in the nebula. By analyzing the intensity and wavelengths of this radiation, scientists were able to calculate the temperature of the nebula.

4. Can anything survive at absolute zero?

No, nothing can survive at absolute zero. At this temperature, all molecular motion stops, making it impossible for any form of life to exist.

5. How does the boomerang nebula maintain its low temperature?

The boomerang nebula maintains its low temperature through a process called adiabatic expansion. As the gas and dust in the nebula expand and move away from the central star, their temperature decreases. This process continues until the temperature reaches close to absolute zero.

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