Beyond Lightspeed

Message boards : Science (non-SETI) : Beyond Lightspeed

Author	Message
Nick Send message Joined: 11 Oct 11 Posts: 2669 Credit: 1,503,560 RAC: 1,287	Message 1301016 - Posted: 1 Nov 2012, 16:58:47 UTC Last modified: 1 Nov 2012, 17:01:43 UTC
	Albert Einstein's famous equation states that E=mc2. But where is time in all of this? Are we able to assume t or T for time and if so, is it a constant? Are we assuming all the time that the speed of light is a constant as well? Or maybe c rather is dependant on its environment or surroundings? Musicplayers part post above is interesting. When Einstein drew up his equation he initially did not set "C" as a constant but just given the value as measured at that time. Upon pondering over his equation he decided to make "C" a constant for he "assumed" the speed of light was always that what he measured it at. The burning question here is, "Was he correct to assume this"? As Musicplayers further states, " 'C' rather dependent on it's environment" I think that's a very valid question for if 'C' has had different values over time then dating the age of the universe is going to be quite impossible. If 'C' at earlier times was slower, then the age of the universe is going to be less. I think the speed of light has varied over time but I only think this. Some physicist have stated that they think there's evidence to show that light at one time was travelling faster than it is today. Using this this scenario then the universe could be older than we currently calculate. Coming back to a point I raised in an earlier post, on creation of our universe, if light was one of the last components to be formed just how far had the universe expanded before light came into play. Without light with it's limits coming into play, though for a very short period of time, the universe could have expanded to half the size we have today before light came a long to put some brakes on to it's rate of expansion. At the point that light was finally created here did this light react with the existing energy so creating then all the matter we have. ____________ The Kite Fliers -------------------- Kite fliers: An imaginary club of solo members, those who don't yet belong to a formal team so "fly their own kites" - as the saying goes.
	ID: 1301016 ·

kenzieB Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 16 Mar 07 Posts: 3913 Credit: 1,574,629 RAC: 549	Message 1302588 - Posted: 5 Nov 2012, 20:08:47 UTC - in response to Message 1300802.
	but in the emptiness of space.. there is no 'mass' :P Even in empty space, there is about one hydrogen atom per size of a grape fruit, so not even space is completely void of mass. Years ago, I read of a possible earth based space craft that could theoretically obtain about 86% of the speed of light that would shaped like a huge scoop close to the size of the moon, that would scoop up those hydrogen atoms, and fuse them as a propulsion source that is self fueling. Of course that is not practicle, but theoretically possible. Steve You're the last person I'd ever want to argue physics with, Steve, but the Ram Scoop engine you are talking about wouldn't work at higher speeds. Scooping up those atoms robs momentum from the spaceship which is, presumably, gained back when you launch it out the back end. The faster your exhaust, the better, of course but it is hard to imagine a jet velocity of even half of the speed of light. (Just a few percent is more likely.) and attempting to go faster than the jet speed means that it costs more energy to scoop them up than you get out of them. Fair enough. It was based on a fusion reaction, and I just remembered reading about it many years ago, and haven't seen anything about it since. I am pleased you are familiar with it also. The other point is that there are free floating hydrogen atoms in "empty" space. Steve <<< Larry Niven fan. :P ____________
	ID: 1302588 ·

ML1 Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 25 Nov 01 Posts: 7112 Credit: 3,681,487 RAC: 902	Message 1303726 - Posted: 8 Nov 2012, 21:20:34 UTC Last modified: 8 Nov 2012, 21:22:19 UTC
	(Apologies for the multiple puns ;-) ) Taking a bit of a sidestep, an example of real science in action: 'Twisted light' data-boosting idea sparks heated debate An idea to vastly increase the carrying capacity of radio and light waves has been called into question. The "twisted light" approach relies on what is called light's orbital angular momentum, which has been put forth as an unexploited means to carry data. ... All a question of what effects and what view. However, note how the abstract and encoding can themselves be "faster than light (or the medium being used)"... Also note the refreshingly public research debate that so often today is so badly stifled by conspiracists and overly sensitive and shallow funding bodies... Keep searchin', Martin ____________ Mandriva Linux A user friendly OS! See new freedom Mageia2 The Future is what We make IT (GPLv3)
	ID: 1303726 ·

Bill Turner Send message Joined: 29 Nov 10 Posts: 112 Credit: 37,989 RAC: 0	Message 1311134 - Posted: 28 Nov 2012, 19:54:55 UTC
	Meade posted this story on my Facebook timeline yesterday. Thought it might make for an interesting read. NASA's First Warp Drive ____________ Check out my wifes cupcakes
	ID: 1311134 ·

VBobier Send message Joined: 30 Nov 03 Posts: 40761 Credit: 32,055,304 RAC: 19,501	Message 1316238 - Posted: 16 Dec 2012, 22:27:41 UTC
	Of course there's the idea of being able to Jump from one point in space to another(A to B), like in the TV Series 'Battlestar Galactica', I don't know if how that could take place, but it's interesting as ideas go and of course, it's not FTL. ____________ BSG Anthem My Facebook page
	ID: 1316238 ·

Nick Send message Joined: 11 Oct 11 Posts: 2669 Credit: 1,503,560 RAC: 1,287	Message 1316248 - Posted: 16 Dec 2012, 23:02:25 UTC - in response to Message 1311134.
	Meade posted this story on my Facebook timeline yesterday. Thought it might make for an interesting read. NASA's First Warp Drive Well Bill, it's interesting to say the least. If it's feasible then one would expect to see, in time, more scientist's writing and commenting on it's practicability. ____________ The Kite Fliers -------------------- Kite fliers: An imaginary club of solo members, those who don't yet belong to a formal team so "fly their own kites" - as the saying goes.
	ID: 1316248 ·

VBobier Send message Joined: 30 Nov 03 Posts: 40761 Credit: 32,055,304 RAC: 19,501	Message 1316260 - Posted: 16 Dec 2012, 23:29:33 UTC - in response to Message 1311134.
	Meade posted this story on my Facebook timeline yesterday. Thought it might make for an interesting read. NASA's First Warp Drive Nice link bill, thanks. Victor ____________ BSG Anthem My Facebook page
	ID: 1316260 ·

Chris S Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 19 Nov 00 Posts: 22662 Credit: 4,501,696 RAC: 5,778	Message 1316528 - Posted: 17 Dec 2012, 20:03:16 UTC Last modified: 17 Dec 2012, 20:09:01 UTC
	I have always believed that man could travel faster than light. Now I know that I was always right. 1. I am sure that ET has been here before. They couldn't have done that without faster than light speed. 2. Einsteins laws are still valid. Perhaps this 21st December will really bring an end to the old world, and a new one, as is predicted. Repeal the USA gun laws, and reach out into space.
	ID: 1316528 ·

Gary Charpentier Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 25 Dec 00 Posts: 10313 Credit: 5,072,171 RAC: 6,253	Message 1316684 - Posted: 18 Dec 2012, 4:19:20 UTC - in response to Message 1316528.
	Repeal the USA gun laws, and reach out into space. Isn't that: fire all the guns at once, explode into space? ____________
	ID: 1316684 ·

kenzieB Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 16 Mar 07 Posts: 3913 Credit: 1,574,629 RAC: 549	Message 1316919 - Posted: 19 Dec 2012, 0:26:41 UTC
	The major problem (besides the obvious technical hurdles) would be the required energy budget. One of the most basic rules of the universe is that to move an object from point A to point B requires energy. Generally speaking, the further you want to move and object and the faster you want to get it done the more energy you'd need to make it happen. I have no idea how it would be calculated but I'd guess you'd need the combined energy output of at least several suns to make it work. ____________
	ID: 1316919 ·

William Rothamel Send message Joined: 25 Oct 06 Posts: 2122 Credit: 1,088,008 RAC: 176	Message 1316924 - Posted: 19 Dec 2012, 0:44:58 UTC - in response to Message 1316919. Last modified: 19 Dec 2012, 0:46:27 UTC
	I remain a skeptic. let's see if a working model can be constructed in a finite amount of time for a finite amount of money. Thoretically anti-matter aniliation is also very efficient but I don't expect to see a working model of a practical engine in my lifetime.
	ID: 1316924 ·

Chris S Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 19 Nov 00 Posts: 22662 Credit: 4,501,696 RAC: 5,778	Message 1317115 - Posted: 19 Dec 2012, 13:56:34 UTC Last modified: 19 Dec 2012, 13:57:02 UTC
	Anyone speak Tau Cetian? Tau Ceti
	ID: 1317115 ·

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Message boards : Science (non-SETI) : Beyond Lightspeed