The discussion revolves around the conceptual understanding of how two photons, starting and ending at the same points in space and time, would perceive each other's positions, time, and distance. Participants explore the implications of this scenario within the framework of physics, particularly focusing on the nature of light and reference frames.
Participants generally agree on the limitations of discussing a photon's perspective and the necessity of clarifying the paths of the light pulses. However, there remains some uncertainty regarding how to properly frame the original question to address the time and path of the photons.
Participants note that the discussion is limited by the inherent properties of light and the definitions of reference frames, which complicate the exploration of the original question.
It is. Photons don't have "point of view" like massive objects do. This is because an object's "point of view", in technical terms, is a reference frame in which the object is at rest. However, no such reference frame exists for a photon.69911e said:I recognize this is likely a bad question
69911e said:Yes, that is why I mentioned likely bad question.
How can this question be changed so the time and path of the 2 photons can be fully addressed?
Ibix said:Further to Nugatory's comment, you also need to specify something about the path the light pulses follow. If they start at the same point at the same time and arrive at the same point, are they taking the same route?
Electromagnetic radiation superimposes, so for all observers this is going to be a single more intense flash of light moving from the starting point to the end point at speed c.69911e said:I was pondering: Same starting point, same end point, same path, simultaneous within allowable uncertainty. Basically identical signals overlapping in all possible aspects.