What would you see if you sent a telescope

  • Context: Stargazing 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of sending a powerful telescope away from Earth at near-light speed and the implications of such an observation on perceiving time on Earth. Participants explore concepts related to time dilation, observation of past events, and the nature of time as experienced by the telescope versus Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a powerful telescope sent away from Earth could allow observation of the future due to relativistic effects.
  • Another participant counters this idea, asserting that the telescope would not enable "seeing into our future" since the Earth would age significantly during the telescope's journey.
  • Further, a participant elaborates that while the telescope may experience only a few years, 2,000 years could pass on Earth, emphasizing that this does not equate to future observation.
  • Another participant agrees with the notion that for the telescope, time would slow down, framing it as a method for observing the past rather than the future.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the insights shared in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the interpretation of time dilation effects and whether the telescope could be used to "see into the future." While some clarify that it would not allow future observation, others explore the implications of time dilation without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about relativistic effects and the nature of time as experienced differently by the telescope and observers on Earth, which remain unresolved.

bOrtiz
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like the hubble, but much more powerful, away from Earth and was able to accelerate it to near the speed of light by either gravity or some future ion accelerator. Would everything on Earth speed up for the observing telescope and hence allow us to see into our own future?
 
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No, It wouldn't
 
From the telescope, let's say a few years would pass but say, on Earth 2,000 years would pass. When the telescope looked at the earth, it would be a few years after you launched but things on Earth would be 2,000 years later. But its not "seeing into our future" because the Earth is 2,000 years older and the people who sent the telescope into space are now 2,000 years old (dead).
 
Right, for the telescope everything would slow down, not speed up. This would be an excellent method for seeing into the past!
 
Pengwuino said:
From the telescope, let's say a few years would pass but say, on Earth 2,000 years would pass. When the telescope looked at the earth, it would be a few years after you launched but things on Earth would be 2,000 years later. But its not "seeing into our future" because the Earth is 2,000 years older and the people who sent the telescope into space are now 2,000 years old (dead).

Thank you for the insight!
 

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