(red shift) & (tired light) claim

In summary, we do not have a mechanism to account for tired light and there is no known way to degrade a photon's energy without also changing its momentum. A thought experiment was proposed to consider the potential differences in the detector's measurement for photons with different energy and momentum states. However, we cannot confirm if the photons we measure in day-to-day observations have remained unchanged during their journey from interstellar source to detector.
  • #1
zforgetaboutit
46
0
Question #1; Here are a few points on this topic. The proposal is many years old. I want to comment on the 4th point

There is no mechanism which can account for tired light. No known interaction can degrade a photon's energy without also changing its momentum.

A thought experiment: Suppose 2 photons of identical energy and momentum (wavelength & momentum?) leave a distant source and utimately get individually detected by our instrument.

Suppose, in expected aggreement with our usual empirical observations and formal theory, one photon makes it here "the usual expected way".

The 2nd photon, because of natural causes, changes momentum and/or energy, in a way permanently different from its original state and then arrives at our detector. Just suppose it could, in spite of present theory.

For the different combinations of photon #2's delta 'energy/momentum' states, predict the differences in the detector's measurement compared to photon #1?

  1. energy decreased / momentum same
  2. energy decreased / momentum increased
  3. energy increased / momentum same
  4. energy increased / momentum increased
    [/list=1]

    Question #2: Would we know if the photons we measure in day-to-day observations are unchanged during their journey from intersteller source to detector?
 
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  • #2
No, we would not know if the photons we measure in day-to-day observations are unchanged during their journey from intersteller source to detector. We can only measure the energy and momentum of photons when they arrive at the detector, so we do not have any way to confirm whether or not these properties have changed during the journey. The only way we could determine if a photon has experienced any changes during its journey is by comparing it to a reference photon that has not changed. In order to make such a comparison, we would need to be able to accurately measure the energy and momentum of the photons before they leave their interstellar source, which is not possible.
 

1. What is red shift and how does it relate to the tired light claim?

Red shift is a phenomenon in which light from distant objects appears to be shifted towards longer, redder wavelengths. This is due to the expansion of the universe, which causes the light to stretch as it travels through space. The tired light claim suggests that this red shift is not due to the expansion of the universe, but rather the light becoming "tired" and losing energy as it travels through space.

2. What is the evidence for the tired light claim?

The main evidence for the tired light claim is the observation of a decrease in the intensity of light from distant galaxies. This decrease in intensity is often attributed to the loss of energy as the light travels through space. However, this can also be explained by other factors such as absorption by dust and gas in the intergalactic medium.

3. How does the tired light claim differ from the accepted theory of red shift?

The accepted theory of red shift is based on the idea that the universe is expanding, causing the light from distant objects to shift towards longer wavelengths. This is supported by a wealth of evidence from various sources, including the cosmic microwave background radiation. The tired light claim, on the other hand, suggests that the red shift is caused by the loss of energy in light as it travels through space.

4. Can the tired light claim be tested?

Yes, the tired light claim can be tested through various observational methods. However, so far, all of the evidence has pointed towards the accepted theory of red shift. There has been no conclusive evidence to support the tired light claim.

5. Why is the tired light claim not widely accepted in the scientific community?

The tired light claim goes against the well-established theory of red shift, which has been supported by numerous observations and experiments. The tired light claim also lacks substantial evidence and has not been able to explain all of the observed phenomena related to red shift. Therefore, it is not widely accepted in the scientific community.

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