B Equivalence Principle and Rindler Horizons

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Standing on Earth does not generate a Rindler horizon directed towards your feet because Rindler horizons are phenomena associated with flat spacetime and uniform acceleration. The equivalence principle suggests that being stationary on Earth is locally indistinguishable from being in an accelerating frame, but this equivalence does not extend globally. In a gravitational field, the effects of curvature mean that light signals can still reach you, unlike in a Rindler horizon scenario. Additionally, the gravitational field of Earth is not uniform over large distances, which further complicates the application of Rindler horizon concepts. Thus, while local acceleration mimics gravitational effects, the global properties of spacetime prevent the formation of a Rindler horizon in this context.
  • #31
vanhees71 said:
It is, at least as far as I can imagine, impossible to discuss the topic of this thread, i.e., Rindler coordinates and Rindler horizons to locally describe the region close to an event horizon in GR, without using the adequate math.
The question was if a Rindler Horizon forms when you stand on a massive body. The answers can be yes, no, or nobody knows, and none of those answers require math, nor was math desired.
 
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  • #32
vanhees71 said:
This is the 30th posting within this thread, and we've not achieved anything to answer the question yet.
I disagree. The question has been answered, and at a B level, without math.
 
  • #34
sbaker8688 said:
The answers can be yes, no, or nobody knows, and none of those answers require math, nor was math desired.
That's disingenuous.

You got an answer like this, immediately challenged it by demanding a source, and then complained that the source used "technobabble".
 
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  • #35
The weak-field approximation for time dilation is Td = 1 + 𝜙/c². The Rindler horizon occurs when 𝜙 = -c²; in a 1 G field, that is about 1 light year "below" you. At that point, the formula gives Td = 0, i.e. time stops running.

In SR, the Rindler horizon actually exists, because the linear equation is exact. But for gravity, it's only the first order approximation. The actual equation is Td = exp(𝜙/c²). [Einstein 1907] Time never stops unless 𝜙 goes to minus infinity. So there is no Rindler horizon. (There may still be black hole event horizons, etc.)

The Einstein equivalence principle says that gravity and acceleration are locally indistinguishable. Here "locally" means "over short enough distances that the linear approximation is good and you can't see higher order terms". It doesn't say that they are globally indistinguishable. They're not.
 
  • #36
sbaker8688 said:
The question was if a Rindler Horizon forms when you stand on a massive body.
As @Dale has already pointed out, this question has been answered. The answer is no.

Thread closed.
 
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