Exploring FTL Travel Using Minkowski Diagrams & Wormholes

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea of using a method of "FTL" travel that involves a tunnel with a physical distance equal to the time dilation between the mouths of the tunnel since its creation expressed in distance. The possibility of creating a paradox with this system is also discussed, with the potential for elongation of the tunnel preventing paradoxes. The issue of disagreement between two inertial frames on the length of the tunnel is also brought up.
  • #1
vemvare
87
10
This thread gave me an idea.

What if a method of "FTL" travel, similar to wormhole would consist of a tunnel that had a physical distance "inside" that any signal would have to traverse, and that distance being equal to the time dilation between the mouths of the tunnel since its/their creation expressed in distance (time * c)?

So that if one mouth was (instantly) accelerated to 0.9c, then after one year the length of the inside of the tunnel would be 1-(1/γ))ct which gives 0.564 light-years.

Could such a system be used to create a paradox? I'm thinking that any attempt at time-travel by putting a mouth at a high relative velocity would just elongate the tunnel, which might prevent paradoxes, but I don't know enough about space-time diagrams to see if it would actually "elongate" fast enough.

Can anyone shed light on this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Earlier self, I think one of the problems is that the two inertial frames will disagree on the length of the tunnel.
 

1. What is FTL travel?

FTL (Faster Than Light) travel is a theoretical method of traveling faster than the speed of light, which is currently believed to be the maximum speed possible in our universe.

2. How do Minkowski diagrams help in exploring FTL travel?

Minkowski diagrams, also known as spacetime diagrams, are graphical representations of the relationship between space and time in special relativity. They can be used to visualize the effects of FTL travel and the possibility of time travel through wormholes.

3. What are wormholes?

Wormholes are hypothetical tunnels or shortcuts through space-time that connect two distant points in the universe. They are often theorized as a possible means of achieving FTL travel.

4. Can FTL travel using wormholes be achieved with current technology?

No, FTL travel using wormholes is currently not possible with our current technology. It is purely a theoretical concept that requires advanced understanding and manipulation of space-time.

5. What are the potential implications and consequences of achieving FTL travel?

If FTL travel were to be achieved, it would revolutionize space exploration and transportation, allowing us to travel to distant galaxies and potentially colonize other planets. However, it also brings up ethical and safety concerns, as well as the potential for altering the fabric of space-time.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
27
Views
8K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
70
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top