My source? I simply pulled up Encarta.
1. I don't know, though I am assuming that it includes particles.
2. There is a chance that a photon could immediately escape the core of the sun if a random permutation in the atoms caused a small rift and allowed the photon to escape, but that isn't too likely. So, there probably is no 'minimum' time.

• So we don't know the error rate or anything - quiet - March 26, 2003 - 17:28 UTC
  • Your attempt to appear intelligent is funny - yaniru - March 26, 2003 - 18:08 UTC
    • Your attempt to appear fraudulent is successful - quiet - March 26, 2003 - 18:12 UTC
      • As a solar astronomer the question was ridiculous - yaniru - March 26, 2003 - 22:53 UTC
        • Then you are not a solar astronomer of much accomplishment - quiet - March 27, 2003 - 00:19 UTC
          • Regards distribution curves - yaniru - March 27, 2003 - 16:14 UTC
            • That was funny.... - quiet - March 27, 2003 - 17:17 UTC
            • Your reply was classic; I could not do it justice - quiet - March 27, 2003 - 17:20 UTC
              • I am suprised you do not know the limits of solar data - yaniru - March 27, 2003 - 23:17 UTC
                • I am not surprised you are completely inconsistent - quiet - March 28, 2003 - 08:39 UTC
                  • Silly Mike - yaniru - March 28, 2003 - 14:00 UTC
                    • I did not demand "in situo" anything - quiet - March 29, 2003 - 02:19 UTC
                      • Drifting from the topic just a little? - splat - March 29, 2003 - 07:54 UTC
                        • Are you qualified to do anything but spam? - quiet - March 29, 2003 - 17:03 UTC