Einstein was right about the speed of gravity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the speed of gravity and its implications, particularly in relation to Einstein's theories. Participants explore the experimental evidence, theoretical frameworks, and potential consequences of gravity traveling at the speed of light, touching on concepts such as black holes, spacetime curvature, and the Weyl Tensor.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that gravity travels at the speed of light, suggesting this aligns with various theoretical perspectives.
  • Others challenge the validity of experiments measuring the speed of gravity, citing concerns about their accuracy and the interpretations of results.
  • There is a discussion about how the speed of gravity could affect the topology of the universe, with some proposing that it prevents instantaneous changes in gravitational strength.
  • Participants mention the potential for gravitational waves to propagate with minimal dispersion and discuss their implications for spacetime curvature.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the relationship between gravity and the Weyl Tensor, with varying levels of understanding of its implications.
  • There are conflicting views on whether gravity could exceed the speed of light, particularly in the context of black holes and escape velocity.
  • Questions arise about the nature of gravity and its travel, with some participants suggesting it may not "travel" in the conventional sense.
  • Several participants reflect on the theoretical nature of gravity, including discussions about hypothetical particles like gravitons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the speed of gravity or the implications of its measurement. Multiple competing views remain, particularly regarding the interpretation of experimental results and the theoretical frameworks involved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the reliance on experimental interpretations that may not be universally accepted, as well as varying levels of understanding of complex concepts like the Weyl Tensor and gravitational waves.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring theoretical physics, general relativity, gravitational theories, and the implications of black holes in modern physics.

  • #31
I don't see how effects of gravity, even if they do occur instananeously, would have any useful purpose whatsoever...besides throwing a few computations out of whack. Can someone suggest to me how FTL based on gravity would do anything useful?
 
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  • #32
Sure, it would "get us there"!
 

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