What factors affect the age of the universe?

In summary, according to the theory of general relativity, time runs slower near massive bodies such as black holes. This raises the question of how we can determine the age of the universe, as different objects would have different ages based on their position in relation to gravitational sources. To calculate the age of the universe, we can use an upper limit of the time passed in empty space from the Big Bang, where time runs the fastest, and a lower limit of the age of the oldest and most massive black holes, where time runs the slowest. However, for most of the universe, the difference in age is negligible. We can measure the age of the universe as a meaningful value because we are not in the direct vicinity of black holes or
  • #1
anubodh
51
0
Acc. to general relativity time runs slowly near a massive body.So, i have a question bothering me from some time that if time for every body/object in universe runs at a different rate then how can we determine the age of universe i.e. 13.72 billion years.
Near a black hole as time runs slowly, age of universe would be much much less.Infact,ever body/object in universe would have different age of universe acc. to it.
And if we really want to calculate universe present age we should put a upper limit to it's age by determining the time passed in empty space from big bang which is away from gravitational source (as time passes the fastest here) and a lower limit by the oldest and massive black hole in universe as time there would have passed the least i.e. the age of universe from it's point of view would be even less than 0.5 billion years.
Hope,i am right!
 
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  • #2
Every position in space will see a different age of the universe. However, the difference is negligible* for all the universe except the direct vicinity of black holes and neutron stars. We are not in those regions, so we can measure a meaningful value for the age of the universe.

*some orders of magnitude below the current experimental uncertainties

Such a lower limit would not exist by the way, you can slow time as much as you like close to black holes.
 
  • #3

What is the current estimated age of the universe?

The current estimated age of the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years. This estimate is based on data from the cosmic microwave background radiation and observations of the expansion rate of the universe.

How do scientists determine the age of the universe?

Scientists use a variety of methods to determine the age of the universe, including studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, observing the expansion rate of the universe, and analyzing the chemical composition of stars and galaxies.

Has the estimated age of the universe changed over time?

Yes, the estimated age of the universe has changed as our understanding of the universe has improved. In the 20th century, the estimated age of the universe was around 2 billion years, but with advancements in technology and new discoveries, it is now estimated to be 13.8 billion years.

Could the estimated age of the universe be wrong?

While the current estimated age of the universe is based on the best available evidence and scientific theories, it is always possible for new discoveries or advancements in technology to lead to a different estimate. However, the current estimate is widely accepted by the scientific community.

How does the age of the universe relate to the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory is the most widely accepted explanation for the origin of the universe. According to this theory, the universe began as a singularity and has been expanding and cooling for approximately 13.8 billion years, which is consistent with the estimated age of the universe.

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