Tags
Albert Einstein, Alcubierre drive, CERN, Einstein, Einstein Field Equations, Faster-than-light, General relativity, Miguel Alcubierre, NASA, Warp drive
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Nothing in the universe is faster than the speed of light – or is it?
The curvature of space-time is related directly to energy and momentum of whatever matter and radiation are present (in space-time). This is specified by the Einstein field equations. Predictions of general relativity concern especially the passage of time, the geometry of space, the motion of bodies in free fall, and the propagation of light. The theory and other parts of relativity theory are used today in all calculations related to gravity and space-time and light. However, general relativity cannot be reconciled with the laws of quantum physics to produce a complete and self-consistent theory of quantum gravity.
Today, we’ll take a look at some of the possible unknowns that may contribute to finding Einstein’s theories lacking. For instance, we know that Einstein’s equations predict areas of space-time singularities and that paths of light and falling particles may come to an abrupt end in these places, thus causing problems as geometry of those areas becomes ill-defined, making calculations inaccurate. In general relativity, gravity perhaps is advancing with the universe expansion or at the speed of light — this isn’t clear yet. However, it also isn’t clear yet as to what the fabric of space-time is made from. Is the fabric there before particles of matter or is it expanding with the particles and with the galaxies that expand in space-time. Also, its not possible to create definitions for the total mass (or energy) of the universe, nor for the exact accelerating of the expansion.
So, maybe faster-than-light speed is not really impossible as the equations “proved.”
Senario 1: Warp Speed
Think MILLION miles per minute spaceships — or — no-movement spaceships — which is more likely? As it turns out, the latest ideas about super speed space travel are along the lines of developing a new technology that warps space-time. So, by cloaking a ship in a warped space-time fabric it can move to a different position in the universe at incredible speeds — faster than light — call it warp-drive; but actually the spaceship isn’t doing the moving, space-time moves and the ship just sits in a warp of space-time that gets moved along due to its wrapping in a fabric that isn’t held in place as other objects that are not so wrapped. It’s origin is science fiction but its being looked at as a future method for space travel.
NASA Claims Starships Traveling Faster-Than-Light May Be Possible
Program Description Scientists at NASA think that bending space and time is possible. This may allow space travel at faster than light speed to different solar systems and galaxies. Youtube watch?= aqfkf0x8sqc
Is Warp Drive Possible?
Program Description
The physics of space-time described by Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity allows space-time to become warped due to the relationship between matter/energy density and the gravitational field described by the Einstein Field Equations. Matter and Energy found in the large scale structure of the universe creates a positive torsion in space-time, causing the warping of space-time which is associated with the strength of the gravitational force. In quantum mechanics, zero point energy fluctuations can create negative energy density which should theoretically, in a large enough density, create a negative torsion on space-time.
This knowledge itself is interesting, however the consequences of it could change our common sense notions of motion and provide a way to challenge the cosmic speed limit, the speed of light. In 1994, Miguel Alcubierre developed a geodesic equation to describe space-time warped in a bubble around a ship, creating a “warp drive.”
The warp drive proposed by Alcubierre could achieve near light speeds and even faster-than-light speeds by distorting space-time. To accomplish this, a theoretical device would generate a field of negative energy that would squeeze or stretch space-time, creating the bubble. The bubble would ride the distortions like a surfer on a wave. As evidenced by the uniformity of the Cosmic Microwave Background from the Big Bang, space-time can expand so quickly that objects can move faster than the speed of light. Therefore the current models of physics generally allow for the existence of a warp field that can accelerate objects faster than the speed of light.
The real questions to ask is whether or not such a warp field can exist on macroscopic scales and if so can it remain is stable long enough to traverse a significant distance. Moreover it is unknown how it is technologically possible, i.e. under what conditions does matter allow for the creation of a negative energy density. Youtube watch?=dXyQ92SPWds
Scenario 2: Newly Found Super Speedy Particles
Meantime, CERN scientists are working on faster than light application with the CERN particle accelerator.
Particles that travel faster than light?
Program Description Scientists at the Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN) in Geneva say they have discovered sub-atomic particles that move even faster than light speed. If proven, it will be more significant than the discovery of radioactivity. In fact, faster than light particles would put Einstein’s theories of relativity back on the physics to do list. Youtube watch=POiR5yEk3LA
A Unified Theory Of All of Physics Might Be Nice To Have
Einstein worked to unify quantum physics with his theories and was unable. The work has been taken up by science at hundreds of Universities and other organizations like CERN and NASA and by other private companies. So far, its been interesting but I’m out of space for now — so, come on back another day for part three of Einstein’s nightmares.
Thanks for learning with me.
Come back often because there is lots more to learn.
Eric
- How the Universe Works (in 25 minutes)
- Scientist debunks Hawking’s ‘no God needed’ theory
- jiggled — twisted warping and curved space-time confirmed
- we are all martians
- what is quantum uncertainty?
- is consciousness physics?
also see:
- The Warp Drive (wrtg3030buffs.wordpress.com)
- Is Warp Drive Possible? (33rdsquare.com)
- Our Star-Trek Future? NASA Scientists Engineering a Warp-Drive Solution for Faster-Than-Light Space Travel (lynleahz.com)
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We are now questioning if Einstein was exact in his calculations..”if i understand right”…i really like the idea..we, humans are getting more inquisitive with time it seems…
yes, Einstein’s equations apply to objects in “normal” situations and not in certain circumstances where there are influences for example by a singularity — if it may cause changes in its area of gravity — also, the fabric of space-time may vary from his predictions. The inaccuracies are miniscule as far as I know — however, more precise equations are being sought. Its hoped that there will eventually be equations that can predict all possible situations and that space-time will eventually be integrated with strings (with the new filed theories). It pretty cool times for physicists even though some recently made discouraging remarks upon the discovery of the Higgs Boson particle.
A truly fascinating read. 🙂
Just asking. Why not a teleporter instead of ships on warp speed? I
Teleportation involves disassembly and reassembly (so far). No one knows how to make that work. So far, teleportation is being attempted with only one particle at a time. Its unclear to me if they are really successful or if the resulting success is really due to superposition. Warp speed is really looking at taking advantage of how membranes expand and expansion of the universe. As long as expansion is occurring, then the idea is to use this stretching of space-time to “fold” space-time and thereby end up in a position that is light-years closer to the destination.