Accelerating universe alternative

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an alternative explanation for the observed redshift of light from distant galaxies, proposing that the redshift is due to a slowing down of time rather than the expansion of the universe. The scope includes theoretical implications and challenges to established cosmological models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a hypothesis suggesting that redshift occurs because time is slowing down, making light appear to travel faster in the past.
  • Another participant questions the validity of this hypothesis by pointing out that gravitationally bound systems do not exhibit cosmological redshift, while unbound systems do.
  • A third participant emphasizes the need for a source to substantiate the claims made about the alternative explanation.
  • The original poster later provides a source for the hypothesis but acknowledges that it does not account for the effects of dark energy on local scales.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express skepticism about the proposed alternative explanation, with some questioning its validity and others seeking more information. No consensus is reached regarding the hypothesis or its implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the proposed model, particularly regarding its failure to address the role of dark energy and the behavior of gravitationally bound systems.

MikeBeer
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I read an article about 2 weeks ago (another astronomy major sent it to me, but unfortunately I'm having trouble find it, when I talk to him again I'll get the source and post it) that proposed an alternative to the universe expanding. The article stated that the reason we see light redshifted is because time is slowing down, and was, consequentially, "faster" in the past. This result keeps the speed of light constant, but since time is slowing down, the speed of light just appears to be "faster" the farther away we look. I'm only entering my second year as an astronomy/physics double major so my knowledge is limited; does this make sense or is it easily dismissed?
 
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How could this possibly explain the fact that gravitationally bound systems display no cosmological redshift whereas unbound systems do?
 
It doesn't make any sense to ask this until you can point us to the source. Otherwise it's just "this guy told me".
 
I found the source: http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2008/01/scientist-says.html . Admittedly, to my knowledge, this doesn't account for the affect of dark energy on a more "local" scale, such as the rotation of galaxies. Take a look and let me know what you think.
 

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