How infinite does time get by gamma

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time as experienced by a photon traveling at the speed of light, particularly in relation to time dilation and the implications of such a perspective. Participants explore the nature of time from the photon's frame and the challenges of comparing it to slower-than-light observers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how time is perceived by a photon, suggesting that an infinite amount of time would pass on Earth while the photon experiences a normal passage of time.
  • Another participant proposes that a photon could measure time and distance using its own wavelength, but emphasizes the difficulty of comparing these measurements with those of slower-than-light observers.
  • A participant expresses confusion about whether there is any sense of time in the photon's frame, indicating a lack of clarity on the topic.
  • Further, it is suggested that while a photon could compare measurements with other photons, the concept of measuring time relative to slower observers leads to infinite ratios, complicating the understanding of time from the photon's perspective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of time in the photon's frame, with multiple competing views and ongoing confusion regarding the implications of time dilation and measurement.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the concept of time from the perspective of a photon, including unresolved assumptions about measurement and the implications of infinite ratios when comparing different frames of reference.

zZhang
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How infinite does time get by gamma...

So I was thinking, say you have a photon traveling at c. I would assume that the photon's own time frame would have time passing as normal. Now after a time t has passed in the photon's frame, some infinite amount of time would have passed say, on Earth by the time dilation equations, but that seemed a bit strange, from the light's point of view anyways, what would it "see" after a second or whatever in its own time? The universe come and gone? >.<

Then I thought about assigning different alephs to the set of time intervals traversed, but meh I'm now more confused that before. Help please! ;-)
 
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Hi zZhang! :smile:

A photon could measure time and distance using its own wavelength as a "measuring-rod", I suppose.

So a photon can only really compare its own measurements with another photon's.

Comparing its own measurements with those of a slower-than-light observer doesn't make any more sense than trying to project something onto a screen when the angle of the screen to you is 0º - the ratios become infinite!
 
Yea that was the thing, that it didn't make any sense. Is there just no sense of time in the photon's frame?
 
Be a photon!

Well, as I said, the photon could measure time by using its wavelength - it should certainly be able to compare the lengths of different objects that way, and also to compare the wavelengths of other photons! :smile:

But unless you're thinking of becoming a photon yourself … :confused:
 

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