Analysis of the physics in Interstellar

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics depicted in the movie Interstellar, particularly the time dilation effects experienced near a black hole. Participants explore the mathematical modeling of these effects using general relativity, focusing on the geodesic equations and their implications for time experienced on a planet orbiting a black hole compared to Earth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a mathematical approach to determine the relationship between time experienced near a black hole and time on Earth, using geodesic equations from Wikipedia.
  • The participant notes that their calculations suggest time dilation becomes undefined at a distance of ##\frac{3}{2}r_s##, rather than at the event horizon, and questions the significance of this distance.
  • Another participant suggests checking an existing discussion in the Science Fiction section of the forum that critiques the movie, implying that there may be differing opinions on its scientific accuracy.
  • A later reply challenges the original poster to clarify their use of symbols and the specific geodesic equations referenced, indicating a need for more precise definitions in their mathematical approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the validity of the calculations and the interpretation of the results. Some express skepticism about the clarity and correctness of the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of variables used in the calculations, as well as the specific geodesic equations referenced, which may affect the interpretation of the results.

phi1123
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So I recently watched the new movie Interstellar, and I've been inspired to do some more general relativity. At one point in the movie they mention that 1 hour on a planet orbiting a black hole is 7 years back on Earth, and so I decided my first project would be to figure out exactly how close they would have to be. So, taking the geodesic equations off of Wikipedia (because I'm too lazy to figure that out)
##0=\frac{d^2\phi}{dq^2}+\frac{2}{r}\frac{d\theta}{dq}\frac{dr}{dq}##
##0=\frac{d^2t}{dq^2}+w^{-1}\frac{r_s}{r^2}\frac{dr}{dq}\frac{dt}{dq}##
##0=\frac{d^2r}{dq^2}+\frac{w}{2}\frac{d(w^{-1})}{dr}(\frac{dr}{dq})^2-rw(\frac{d\phi}{dq})^2+\frac{c^2}{2}w\frac{dw}{dr}(\frac{dt}{dq})^2##
Where ##w=(1-\frac{r_s}{r})## and ##r_s## is the Schwarzschild radius. Using these three equations, setting ##q=\tau##, and assuming circular orbits (##\frac{dr}{dq}=0##), I ended up with 4 equations and 4 unknowns. Solving for ##\frac{dt}{d\tau}##, I end up with
##\frac{dt}{d\tau}=\sqrt{\frac{1}{1-\frac{3}{2}\frac{r_s}{r}}}##

SO my questions: Is this process valid, or am I missing something? I was expecting the time dilation to go to infinity at the event horizon, ##r_s##, however it seems to become undefined at ##\frac{3}{2}r_s## instead. What is special about this distance?
 
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You might want to check out the seemingly endless discussion of it in the Science Fiction section of PF Lounge entitled "Interstellar—Spectacularly Stupid Movie".
 
Higgs Boson said:
Danger meant to be friendly and provide you with a direct link to the thread he referenced in his post above ... but your math probably angered him into his rudeness.
I'm not sure who put you in charge of my social skills, but I can understand your comment in light of having read your "occupation" in your user profile.
My answer was in no way rude. I provided an exact location to which I thought that s/he should be directed in case that thread dealt with whatever was on his/her mind. For you to assume that s/he couldn't find it without a direct link was an insult by you, not me.
 
phi1123 said:
So I recently watched the new movie Interstellar, and I've been inspired to do some more general relativity. At one point in the movie they mention that 1 hour on a planet orbiting a black hole is 7 years back on Earth, and so I decided my first project would be to figure out exactly how close they would have to be. So, taking the geodesic equations off of Wikipedia (because I'm too lazy to figure that out)
##0=\frac{d^2\phi}{dq^2}+\frac{2}{r}\frac{d\theta}{dq}\frac{dr}{dq}##
##0=\frac{d^2t}{dq^2}+w^{-1}\frac{r_s}{r^2}\frac{dr}{dq}\frac{dt}{dq}##
##0=\frac{d^2r}{dq^2}+\frac{w}{2}\frac{d(w^{-1})}{dr}(\frac{dr}{dq})^2-rw(\frac{d\phi}{dq})^2+\frac{c^2}{2}w\frac{dw}{dr}(\frac{dt}{dq})^2##
Where ##w=(1-\frac{r_s}{r})## and ##r_s## is the Schwarzschild radius. Using these three equations, setting ##q=\tau##, and assuming circular orbits (##\frac{dr}{dq}=0##), I ended up with 4 equations and 4 unknowns. Solving for ##\frac{dt}{d\tau}##, I end up with
##\frac{dt}{d\tau}=\sqrt{\frac{1}{1-\frac{3}{2}\frac{r_s}{r}}}##

SO my questions: Is this process valid, or am I missing something? I was expecting the time dilation to go to infinity at the event horizon, ##r_s##, however it seems to become undefined at ##\frac{3}{2}r_s## instead. What is special about this distance?

You're going to have to be more specific. You "took the geodesic equations off of wikipedia", which ones? For what metric? What is ##w## and what is ##q##? I can't recall a standard metric or coordinate system which uses these symbols for coordinates.
 

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