How Long Does It Take Sunlight to Reach Earth?

💡 The Answer

• Photons from the Sun's core take an average of 100,000 to 200,000 years to reach the surface.
• Once free, they traverse the 150 million kilometers to Earth in just 8 minutes and 20 seconds.
• The dense core causes photons to scatter countless times, delaying their escape.
• Neutrinos from the same fusion event reach Earth in about 8 minutes, having passed through the Sun unimpeded.