Is There a Universal Point Where All Moments in Time Exist Simultaneously?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the concept of whether there exists a universal point in the universe where all moments in time coexist simultaneously. It touches on the nature of time, reference points, and the implications of speed, mass, and distance on time perception.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that there may be a point of reference in the universe where all moments—alive, dead, and yet to be born—exist simultaneously, questioning the nature of time itself.
  • Another participant points out that an observer near Alpha Centauri could see events from 2003 on Earth due to the finite speed of light, indicating that this phenomenon is not related to time dilation.
  • A different participant expresses the idea that any particular moment has a permanence in the universe, proposing that "right now" exists universally as a reference point.
  • In response, one participant argues against the idea of a universal point of reference, stating that time proceeds forward and that the past is no longer accessible while the future is yet to come.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of a universal point in time. Some propose that such a point may exist, while others firmly disagree, asserting that time moves linearly and that the past and future are not simultaneously accessible.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge their varying levels of expertise, with some expressing uncertainty about their interpretations and the implications of their arguments regarding time and reference points.

zengin
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Ok so my next question has 2 parts, but i won't go into the philosophical part here. But i was reading about a letter Albert Einstein wrote to a person regarding the death of a friend. As i tried to understand his meaning behind it, i started thinking. From what i am told time is affected by speed, mass and distance (i.e. a small slow movement here would have a massive change in time billions of lightyears away from here). Would it be safe to assume that there is and always will be a point of reference in this univerese where we will all be alive, dead, and yet to be born here on earth? I hope that came out right, as i am having a bit of trouble putting my thoughts to words. Again, i have no knowledge in any of this material, only genuine questions. Please excuse my ignorace.
 
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I'm not quite sure what you mean, but if, for example, a person near the star Alpha Centuari had a really big telescope, right now they could be watching the events of 2003 unfolding on Earth. But that's simply because light travels at a finite speed - it doesn't have anything to do with time dilation.
 
russ_watters said:
I'm not quite sure what you mean, but if, for example, a person near the star Alpha Centuari had a really big telescope, right now they could be watching the events of 2003 unfolding on Earth. But that's simply because light travels at a finite speed - it doesn't have anything to do with time dilation.

According to Einstein this time frame is not in the past, not in the future, but it is infact "elsewhere".
 
What I am getting at is that any particular moment has some perminence in the universe in the way that there will always be a point of reference in the universe where right now will always be right now... if that makes any sense.. i an starting to think that time does not exist, only different points of reference. i know this is more than likely way off, so if someone would be so kind to explain why (if they can follow my laymens logic) i would appericate it, thanks.
 
Re your question

Would it be safe to assume that there is and always will be a point of reference in this univerese where we will all be alive, dead, and yet to be born here on earth?

No it would not - time proceeds forward. The point of reference you search for is here and now. The past is gone (in terms of time) and the future is to come. There are many distortions of expected reality in cosmology but your proposal is not one.

This is only my current working theory - I am no expert

Ed Joyce
 

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