>> Essentially, when a single molecule of this protein absorbs a single 
>> photon, it undergoes a structural change which causes it to react with 
>> another protein, which causes one of the ion pumps on the cell wall to 
>> shut off, thereby macroscopically altering the ion concentration 
>> inside the cell, generating a minute but measurable net charge for the 
>> entire cell, which leads to a nerve impulse being fired... or 
>> something like that. It's *complicated*!
> 
> With some quick calculations and rather dubious assumptions I estimate 
> that from a star like Betelgeuse approximately 10^6 photons are going 
> into your eye per second.  This is about the same as a 100 W light bulb 
> 10 km away.

Dubious assumptions FTW! :-D

Post a reply to this message