Can We Really Time Travel by Exceeding the Speed of Light?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of time travel through exceeding the speed of light, with participants questioning the implications of such travel on moving backward in time. Vince raises concerns about the paradox of traveling faster than time, suggesting that it may only allow forward movement. A response highlights that time travel could occur within a closed feedback loop, referencing Stephen Hawking's book, "The Universe in a Nutshell," for further insights into the complexities of time travel. The conversation emphasizes the impossibility of traveling at the speed of light itself.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of closed time loops
  • Basic knowledge of theoretical physics
  • Awareness of Stephen Hawking's contributions to cosmology
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "The Universe in a Nutshell" by Stephen Hawking
  • Explore Einstein's theory of relativity and its implications for time travel
  • Research the concept of closed time loops in theoretical physics
  • Investigate current advancements in particle physics related to light speed
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, science enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of time travel and the implications of traveling at or beyond the speed of light.

darignac
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Just read about the advances on traveling at the speed of light. I have a problem about the whole "time travelling" theory. If (or maybe when) the human race can travel at a speed faster than time itself, how could we possibly go back in time? Surely going faster than time would mean that you would only go forward and not back in time?
Perhaps we could travel slower than time. A negative speed would be much harder to obtain than a possitive speed surely.
I know that you are the people to explain to me ( please be nice) about this.
Regards
Vince
 
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If (or maybe when) the human race can travel at a speed faster than time itself, how could we possibly go back in time?

I'm not sure about the specifics, but time travel can occur within a kind of (closed)feedback (time)loop where backwards movement is possible.

There is a book by Stephen Hawking called The Universe in a Nutshell where he discusses time travel. Very good read to gain a basic understanding about the difficulties about time travel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Universe_in_a_Nutshell
 
Last edited:
darignac said:
Just read about the advances on traveling at the speed of light. I have a problem about the whole "time travelling" theory.

OK, what did you read, and where? It sounds like you read something that was a bit garbled, because, for starters, you can't travel at the speed of light.
 

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