Is it possible to be completely still in space?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of being motionless in space, considering the relative nature of motion and the possibility of an absolute frame of reference. Participants explore the implications of motion on a rotating planet and its movement through space, as well as the role of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) in defining reference frames.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that motion is relative and question the existence of an absolute frame of reference.
  • Others propose the cosmic microwave background as a potential absolute frame of reference.
  • One participant challenges the notion of an absolute frame by asking for clarification on what it means.
  • Another participant acknowledges that while the CMB defines a frame of reference, it is not considered special by the laws of physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the existence of an absolute frame of reference, with some supporting the idea of the CMB as a reference point while others refute it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of defining motion and reference frames, with participants expressing different interpretations and assumptions regarding absolute motion.

jaydnul
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So we are on a rotating planet, which also hurdles through space orbiting the sun, which also is hurdling through space orbiting the center of the galaxy. Is it possible to be motionless in space?
 
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lundyjb said:
So we are on a rotating planet, which also hurdles through space orbiting the sun, which also is hurdling through space orbiting the center of the galaxy. Is it possible to be motionless in space?

Relative to what? Motion is relative. If you are searching for an absolute frame of reference, there isn't one.
 
If you are searching for an absolute frame of reference, there isn't one.

What about the cosmic microwave background; could that not be considered as an absolute F of R?
 
Endervhar said:
What about the cosmic microwave background; could that not be considered as an absolute F of R?

No, there is not such thing as an absolute frame of reference. You can state the Earth's velocity (or anything else's velocity if you wish) relative to the CMB, but it is not an absolute velocity in any sense.
 
Last edited:
Endervhar said:
What about the cosmic microwave background; could that not be considered as an absolute F of R?

Ask yourself this. What does "absolute reference frame" mean?
 
Endervhar said:
What about the cosmic microwave background; could that not be considered as an absolute F of R?

The CMB does define a frame of reference, but the laws of physics don't single out that frame of reference as special.
 

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