The Improbability of Observing Light Particles Reflecting off Dinosaurs from 65 Million Light Years

Is it possible with an alien telescope to see light particles reflect off dinosaurs 65 million years ago? This question brings us to the realms of theoretical physics and the limits of observational astronomy. Let's delve into the mathematical and scientific challenges that make such observations nearly impossible.

Theoretical Possibility vs. Practical Reality

In theory, the concept is intriguing. To resolve a 10-meter-tall dinosaur at a distance of 65 million light years, the telescope aperture required would be approximately 6.5 light years. Considering that a Kardashev Type III civilization, capable of manipulating nebulae or using a cluster of small apertures, could theoretically achieve this feat, the question shifts to the practicality of it all.

Photon Limitations and Practical Challenges

In practice, the scenario is far more complex. Even under perfect conditions where no atmospheric or interstellar obstacles interfere, the vast distance means that the light bouncing off dinosaurs has traveled an unfathomable distance. By the time it reaches an alien civilization, the number of photons per square meter is severely diluted.

Assuming perfect conditions, the photons from the dinosaurs would have been spread out over a sphere with a radius of approximately 65 million light years. The density of these photons would be extraordinarily low, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to capture any meaningful image. Even with a planet-sized or solar system-sized telescope, the chances of capturing anything useful would be infinitesimally small.

Mathematical Analysis and Angular Resolution

To further illustrate the magnitude of the challenge, let's consider the math. At a distance of 65 million light years, the angular diameter of a 12-meter-long T. rex would be a mere 1.12 x 10-21 degrees. To put this into perspective, this is equivalent to the angular size of a single hydrogen atom beyond Neptune as seen from Earth.

Even with a telescope boasting this much resolution, the task of seeing individual dinosaurs would be highly improbable. The required telescope would have an angular resolution of 1.12 x 10-21 degrees, which would still only allow seeing the dinosaurs as a blob rather than distinct individuals. The size of such a telescope would be astronomically huge—estimated to be 3.1 trillion kilometers wide, wider than the distance from Earth to Alpha Centauri. This impracticality underscores the sheer impossibility of achieving such magnification.

Conclusion

While it is theoretically fascinating to imagine a scenario where aliens could observe light particles reflecting off dinosaurs from 65 million light years away, the practical limitations and astronomical scale of the challenge make it an incredibility. The extremely low photon density and the sheer size of the telescope required render the task beyond our current and theoretical understanding.

Sorry to be theByPrimaryKey on Parades but no, there's no feasible way to see individual dinosaurs running around from a distance of 65 million light years. The physics and optics simply don't support it.