Getting an extra 22 nanoseconds out of life

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of experiencing time differently based on gravitational effects, as illustrated by a personal anecdote involving a family trip to a higher elevation. Participants explore the implications of this phenomenon, including the humorous and philosophical aspects of "gaining" time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a story about using cesium clocks to measure the effects of altitude on time, claiming to have gained 22 nanoseconds during a family trip.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the value of monitoring such a small gain in time.
  • A different participant humorously claims to have lived longer due to residing at a high altitude, suggesting that the risk of skin cancer is worth the extra time.
  • Several participants express confusion about the concept of speeding up time, with one suggesting a physical activity as a humorous method to achieve this.
  • One participant critiques the overall relevance of the topic, indicating a sense of wasted time in engaging with the thread.
  • Another participant humorously calculates their own time wasted in the discussion, adding a light-hearted tone to the conversation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of amusement, skepticism, and confusion regarding the concept of gaining time through altitude. There is no consensus on the significance or practicality of the idea, and multiple viewpoints are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants appear to misunderstand the scientific basis of time dilation, while others engage with the topic in a more humorous or philosophical manner. The discussion lacks a clear resolution regarding the implications of the time gained or the validity of the experiences shared.

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http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/12/time_hackers?currentPage=all"
So he loaded the family's blue minivan with portable power supplies, monitoring equipment, and three HP 5071 cesium clocks. With his three kids and some camping gear in tow, he drove the winding roads spiraling up Washington's Mt. Rainier and checked the family into a lodge 5,319 feet above sea level.
They hiked the trails, and the kids relaxed with board games and books, while in the imperceptibly lessened gravity, time moved a little bit faster than at home. When the family returned to the suburbs two days later, the cesium clocks were off by the precise amount relativity predicted. He and his family had lived just a little more life than the neighbors.
"It was the best extra 22 nanoseconds I've ever spent with the kids," Van Baak says.​
 
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Lol. I can understand doing that for the small boost in life, however, I see no point in monitoring it.
 
very cute

Math Jeans said:
Lol. I can understand doing that for the small boost in life, however, I see no point in monitoring it.

it makes it more poetic
 
I'm so happy!

I live at 6,000 feet, plus, in the summer, I spend a lot of time in the mountains at around 9,000 to 10,000 feet. Having lived here over 11 years, I've lived at least 44 microseconds longer than most of you! :biggrin:

It makes the extra risk of skin cancer worth it!
 
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I can't believe I wasted 2 minutes on this thread.
 
jimmysnyder said:
I can't believe I wasted 2 minutes on this thread.

Ha! I wasted 2 minutes and 15 picoseconds! :biggrin:

Plus another 20 seconds and 2.5 picoseconds calculating how much more time I wasted than you!


Oh, geez. I think I need to get a life.
 
I can't grasp how you can speed up time.
 
This is one thing I do not need to put on my list of things to do before I die.
 
david90 said:
I can't grasp how you can speed up time.
Start digging!

(Or, remember that sports submersible with the shiny tail fins?)
 
  • #10
It means that they'll die earlier though! NOES!
 
  • #11
Time taken > Time Earned = Waste of time
 
  • #12
david90 said:
I can't grasp how you can speed up time.
Real easy:

1. Stand upright, at ease.
2. Begin rotating your arm (the one carrying your wristwatch) as fast as you can;
3. Continue as long as you can;
4. Stop before you damage your shoulder rotator cuff.

Congrats, you've sped up time for the rest of your body!
 
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