The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the distance of a distant galaxy based on the light travel time, specifically questioning whether the distance should be considered greater due to the galaxy's movement away from us over time. The scope includes conceptual understanding of cosmological distances and the implications of light travel time in astronomy.
Participants express differing views on whether the distance to the galaxy should be adjusted for its movement, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
There are limitations in the assumptions made regarding the expansion of the universe and how it affects the interpretation of distance based on light travel time. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.
Originally posted by AndersHermansson
If the light reaching us from a distant galaxy is said to has been traveling for 12 billion years, then it is said to be 12 billion light years away. Did someone forget to consider the fact that the galaxy has been moving away from us in the meantime? The distance must be at least the double.
Originally posted by Mentat
That's why they always say that we are only seeing things as they were 12 billion years ago.