Can Time Really Loop and Repeat Itself in the Universe?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theoretical concept of time looping and repeating itself in the universe, drawing parallels to science fiction narratives like "Groundhog Day." Key points include the role of General Relativity in time dilation and the necessity of exotic matter to maintain a wormhole in spacetime. Physicists debate the implications of such phenomena, particularly concerning paradoxes like the grandfather paradox. The concept of a "closed timelike curve" is highlighted as a scientific term relevant to this discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • General Relativity principles
  • Understanding of time dilation
  • Concept of exotic matter
  • Knowledge of closed timelike curves
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  • Research the implications of General Relativity on time travel
  • Explore the concept of exotic matter and its theoretical properties
  • Study the grandfather paradox and its significance in physics
  • Investigate current theories and models of wormholes
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Physicists, science fiction writers, and anyone interested in theoretical physics and the nature of time.

Mega_Destructor
I was just wondering, if time can be dilated by gravity, can it actually loop and repeat itself (like movies), and if anyone was there it somehow witness it, they would see everything repeated? Sorry if this sounds silly, but I'm curious.
 
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This more of a science fiction concept like Groundhog Day. The science behind it ie General Relativity mentions time slowing down for some observers. Looping back requires something called exotic matter to hold open a wormhole in spacetime which is allowed by GR.

Physicists are split on this often citing ideas like the universe forbids things like the grandfather paradox where the grandson goes back in time to prevent grandpa from meeting grandma and hence preventing himself from being born.

You can read more about it here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wormhole

Keep in mind that this is all theoretical and that no wormholes have ever been discovered nor has exotic matter ever been identified and discovered.
 
Mega_Destructor said:
I was just wondering, if time can be dilated by gravity, can it actually loop and repeat itself (like movies), and if anyone was there it somehow witness it, they would see everything repeated? Sorry if this sounds silly, but I'm curious.
If you want to search for technical articles on the topic the scientific term is a "closed timelike curve"
 
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