Gravity: Time Dilation or Death

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of conducting experiments near a black hole to observe time dilation effects. Participants explore the implications of approaching a black hole with current technology, emphasizing that significant time dilation would likely require being dangerously close to the event horizon. The conversation references the concept of time dilation as demonstrated in physics labs, suggesting that while minor effects can be observed with sensitive clocks, noticeable differences in time perception would necessitate extreme proximity to the black hole, potentially leading to fatal consequences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity and its implications on time and gravity
  • Familiarity with black hole physics and event horizons
  • Knowledge of time dilation effects as demonstrated in experimental physics
  • Basic principles of spacecraft design and safety near gravitational extremes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of gravitational time dilation near black holes
  • Study the design and technology of spacecraft capable of approaching black holes
  • Examine experimental setups used to measure time dilation in laboratory conditions
  • Explore the implications of time dilation on communication and perception in extreme gravitational fields
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, aerospace engineers, and science fiction enthusiasts interested in the practical and theoretical aspects of black holes and time dilation.

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Say there were a black hole near Earth (either recently found or created) that we could travel to. With similar technology available to us today, if we built a spaceship and came as close to the black hole as possible without the effects of gravity breaking the ship apart or ripping our bodies to shreds, at that distance from the black hole; do you suppose we could run cool experiments or see noticeable effects of time dilation, or would you have to move in even closer and end up dieing before you could conduct your experiment?

This idea came to me while watching a Star Gate episode where time was slowed down near a black hole, i couldn't help but thinking you would be dead before you even realized time was running slowly compared to your friends which are not near the black hole.
 
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You can see noticeable effects of time dilation between the top floor of the physics lab and the basement if you have sensitive enough clocks (it's been done)
 
I suppose i kinda knew that, but i was thinking more along the lines of something you could notice without sophisticated equipment. Enough to were communicating with the outside world becomes difficult. Or when you look back at Earth it looks like people are moving really fast or something.
 

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