Do Open Timelike Curves Exist?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter TheQuestionGuy14
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curves
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of Open Timelike Curves (OTCs) and their relationship to Closed Timelike Curves (CTCs) within the context of theoretical physics. Participants explore the definitions, implications, and theoretical literature surrounding these concepts, particularly in relation to causality and observations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the nature and definition of Open Timelike Curves, suggesting a need for clearer explanations or sources.
  • One participant references an arXiv paper as a potential source of information regarding the topic.
  • There is a mention that no Open Timelike Curves have been observed, and they are considered purely theoretical constructs.
  • Another participant expresses frustration with repetitive questions on the topic, indicating a perceived overabundance of similar inquiries.
  • A participant emphasizes that discussions about the existence of CTCs should be limited, noting that they have no known bearing on reality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Open Timelike Curves are theoretical and have not been observed. However, there is disagreement regarding the appropriateness of discussing their existence, with some participants expressing frustration over repeated questions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the definitions and implications of Open Timelike Curves and Closed Timelike Curves, as well as the unresolved nature of their existence in relation to observed phenomena.

TheQuestionGuy14
Messages
158
Reaction score
8
These are apparently Closed Timelike Curves that don't violate causality, do they exist?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you describe what they are better? Or provide a source that discusses them? I've never heard of this terminology.
 
Matterwave said:
Can you describe what they are better? Or provide a source that discusses them? I've never heard of this terminology.
https://arxiv.org/abs/1206.5485
Only big thing I could find on them.
 
TheQuestionGuy14 said:
These are apparently Closed Timelike Curves that don't violate causality, do they exist?
None have been observed.
 
I see these threads from QuestionGuy over and over and over and wonder if I am in a closed timelike curve!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Sorcerer, phinds, weirdoguy and 2 others
Vanadium 50 said:
I see these threads from QuestionGuy over and over and over and wonder if I am in a closed timelike curve!
@TheQuestionGuy14 V50 is right, this is quite tiresome. If you have questions about the theoretical literature on closed timelike curves then you are welcome to post them here. There is a body of literature on the theory of CTC solutions to GR.

However please stop asking any questions related to their existence. No such curves have been observed, they are purely theoretical. They have no known bearing on reality.

Further posts on CTC existence or reality will be summarily deleted. Thread closed
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: weirdoguy

Similar threads

Undergrad CTC on FLRW cosmological models
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Graduate Timelike curves on event horizon
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Okay, what exactly makes a timelike curve closed?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
High School Can Closed Timelike Curves Violate Entropy by Allowing Time Travel?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Closed Timelike Curves vs Time Loops: What's the Difference?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
High School How can Closed Timelike Curves be made?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Do existing EFE solutions support Closed Timelike Curves?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Undergrad Is this a closed spacelike curve?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School Question about Gravity according to GR: Earth Rises, Time Axis Curves
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
High School What Are Closed Timelike Curves and Common Misunderstandings About Them?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K