Is the Speed of Light Really the Limit of the Universe?

In summary, the conversation touched on various topics such as wormholes, warping spacetime, and spectral lines. The speaker mentioned observing how the electromagnetic force weakens or strengthens depending on the direction of the universe, which could potentially challenge current theories and understanding of the speed of light. The speaker also noted that the show was speculative in nature, acknowledging that some ideas, such as warp drives, may not be feasible in the near future.
  • #1
easyrider
89
0
I was watching this show and it was talking about the usual stuff such as wormholes and warping spacetime but the one thing that caught my attention was towards the end. I can't remember the guy`s name but he was talking about observing spectral lines and how when he had looked in one direction of the universe, EM force got weaker with distance. When he looked in another direction, EM force got stronger with distance.

What would be the implications of this on current theories/understanding? Would there be a simpler explanation to what he's observed?
 
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  • #2
I've never ever heard of that before. Was he talking about the cosmic microwave background? (CMB) According to my knowledge, everything in every direction gets more redshifted (meaning less energy) the further it is from us with no dependence on direction.
 
  • #3
Drakkith said:
I've never ever heard of that before. Was he talking about the cosmic microwave background? (CMB) According to my knowledge, everything in every direction gets more redshifted (meaning less energy) the further it is from us with no dependence on direction.

He was talking about his belief that the currently understood speed of light (i.e. "speed limit of the universe") is possibly incorrect. Didn't sound like a fruitcase exactly but the whole show was wildly speculative (and this time, unlike some others I've seen there, it actually fessed up to some of the stuff, like warp drives, being "difficult" and not likely to happen soon).
 

1. How does FTL travel work?

FTL, or faster-than-light, travel is a hypothetical concept that suggests traveling faster than the speed of light. In "Through The Wormhole," it is proposed that this can be achieved through the use of wormholes, which are shortcuts through space-time that allow for faster travel.

2. Is FTL travel possible?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence that suggests FTL travel is possible. However, some theories, such as the Alcubierre drive, propose ways in which it could potentially be achieved. But more research and technological advancements are needed to determine its feasibility.

3. What are the potential risks of FTL travel?

One potential risk of FTL travel is the issue of time dilation, in which time passes differently for those traveling at different speeds. This could result in significant time discrepancies for travelers, potentially causing issues with aging and communication with those on Earth.

4. Can humans survive FTL travel?

At this time, it is unknown if humans could physically withstand the forces involved in FTL travel. The intense speeds and gravitational forces could have detrimental effects on the human body. More research and technology would be needed to ensure the safety of human travelers.

5. Could FTL travel be the key to interstellar exploration?

Many scientists and science fiction enthusiasts believe that FTL travel could be the key to exploring our universe and potentially discovering other habitable planets. However, until it is proven to be possible and safe for human travel, this remains a hypothetical concept.

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