Exploring the Age of the Universe: Time Dilation Effects

In summary, the age of the universe is estimated to be around 13.7 billion years old based on measurements of electromagnetic radiation in an expanding and accelerating universe. The concept of "stationary" objects in FLRW coordinates may be surprising, but all galaxies are considered stationary in these coordinates. While there may be variations in the time experienced by a massless particle such as a ray of light, the overall estimate of the universe's age remains at 13.7 billion years.
  • #1
ravisastry
52
0
Hi All,

how is the age of universe calculated ? i read a few articles/wiki etc and its estimated to be roughly 13.7 billion yrs old. Have we considered the time dilation effect here ? cause we are measuring the electro magnetic radiation traveling in an expanding universe and in an accelerating environment, time runs slow. Hence the actual age of universe should be greater than 13.7 ??

Thanks,
Ravi
 
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  • #2
13.7 billion years is the value of the FLRW time coordinate here and now. It's also the time experienced by an object that's been at constant spatial coordinates for the entire age of the universe. Any object that's been moving relative to such a "stationary" object will have experienced a shorter time.

So what objects are "stationary" in FLRW coordinates? The answer may surprise you. All the galaxies are approximately stationary in these coordinates.
 
  • #3
thanks for the explanation and it seems logical that all the galaxies are "stationary" as the whole of universe is expanding uniformly. but, a ray of light(or any EMR) which originated during the big bang, is traveling in the accelerating universe. It is subjected to various gravitational pull (from different astronomical bodies) and hence won't the time for this ray of light be different when compared to all the stationary galaxies ?
 
  • #4
"The time for this ray of light" suggests that there's a meaningful way to define the time "experienced" by a massless particle. There isn't. And the most meaningful definition would be to define it as 0. See e.g. my posts in this thread about the "photon's point of view". In particular, #8 and #14. You can also check out the currently active thread on the same topic.
 
  • #5
The 13.7 billion years number has been derived from a number of independent sources, so it seems pretty solid. Do you have a particular objection?
 

What is the age of the universe?

The current estimated age of the universe is around 13.8 billion years old.

How do scientists determine the age of the universe?

The age of the universe is determined through various methods, including measuring the cosmic microwave background radiation, observing the expansion rate of the universe, and analyzing the ages of the oldest stars and galaxies.

What is time dilation and how does it affect the age of the universe?

Time dilation is a phenomenon where time moves at a different rate for objects in different gravitational fields or moving at different speeds. This effect can be observed by comparing the time experienced by objects on Earth to those in outer space. This can affect the measurement of the age of the universe as the expansion of the universe causes objects to move away from each other at increasing speeds, causing time to appear to slow down.

What evidence supports the time dilation effect on the age of the universe?

One of the main pieces of evidence for time dilation in the universe is the observation of distant supernovae. These explosions are used as "standard candles" to measure the expansion rate of the universe. The data collected from these observations aligns with the predicted time dilation effects on the age of the universe.

How does understanding time dilation help us explore the age of the universe?

Understanding time dilation is crucial in accurately determining the age of the universe. By taking into account the effects of time dilation, scientists are able to refine their measurements and calculations to determine the most accurate age of the universe possible.

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