Science

Jim__

(15,244 posts)

10. It's not a joke.

Fri Feb 16, 2018, 01:00 AM

Feb 2018

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Atoms are infinitesimally small, measuring only a miniscule fraction of an inch in diameter. At 38 protons and 215 billionths of a millimeter across, strontium atoms are relatively large by comparison. Still, the only reason why we can see the atom in the photo is because it absorbed and then re-emitted laser light at a speed capturable by a long camera exposure. So, the photo is actually of the laser light being re-emitted, rather than the outline of an atom. Without the long exposure effect, the atom wouldn't be visible to the naked eye. (Related: "The God Particle" )

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Highlight:

This Photo of a Single Trapped Atom Is Absolutely Breathtaking [View all] Judi Lynn Feb 2018 OP

Thats incredible Pachamama Feb 2018 #1

science AllaN01Bear Feb 2018 #2

I am stunned. dixiegrrrrl Feb 2018 #3

Amazing! FailureToCommunicate Feb 2018 #4

It would be amazing SCantiGOP Feb 2018 #13

If you scroll down, you also find this... jmowreader Feb 2018 #5

Oh lordy Stardust1 Feb 2018 #8

Republicans love to disparage MFM008 Feb 2018 #6

To be more accurate, it's the ***light*** from a single atom. hunter Feb 2018 #7

Yes. On my computer screen, the apparent separation between the pins is less than 2 inches struggle4progress Feb 2018 #11

Ummm.... Unca Jim Feb 2018 #9

It's not a joke. Jim__ Feb 2018 #10

A quick comparison would be stars in the sky. Stars are so far away... hunter Feb 2018 #12