[ELI5] Would something stay hot in the space forever since there is nothing to transfer its heat?

Question

[ELI5] Would something stay hot in the space forever since there is nothing to transfer its heat?

In: 169

Answer 1

Heat transfer happens in 3 ways:

– conduction: from one surface to another
– convection: from movement of fluid
– radiation: heat transfer by EM radiation through space. can happen through a vacuum

The latter is responsible for heat transfer in open space.

So no, it would not stay hot forever due to radiation.