How meaningful is the notion of now here on Earth?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relevance of special relativity to everyday interactions, specifically questioning the significance of the concept of "now" from different locations on Earth, such as New York and London. The conclusion drawn is that for practical purposes, the notion of "now" is not meaningful when considering time differences across locations. Instead, direct communication, such as using a phone, is emphasized as the practical approach to understanding what someone is doing at a given moment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of simultaneity in physics
  • Knowledge of time zones and their impact on communication
  • Experience with practical communication methods, such as phone calls
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of simultaneity in special relativity
  • Explore how time zones affect real-time communication
  • Study the practical applications of special relativity in technology
  • Investigate philosophical perspectives on the concept of "now"
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, philosophers exploring the nature of time, and anyone interested in the practical implications of special relativity in daily life.

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TL;DR
Is it meaningful to ask what say, my friend is doing in London when I am in New York?
So, not looking for anything over complicated. Just been picking up some special relativity.

How meaningful is the notion of now here on Earth? Is special relativity worth even considering for day to day interactions with others?
 
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EclogiteFacies said:
TL;DR Summary: Is it meaningful to ask what say, my friend is doing in London when I am in New York?
Do you have their phone number? Pick up your phone and ask them. That’s what “now” means in ordinary English.
Is special relativity worth even considering for day to day interactions with others?
No.

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