Is Time Compression really possible? Or is it just nonsense?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of Time Compression and its relationship to Time Dilation and Length Contraction, particularly in the context of Lorentz transformations. Participants explore whether Time Compression is a valid phenomenon or merely a theoretical construct, with references to complex Lorentz transformations and their implications for accelerated observers.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that Time Compression and Length Expansion are the opposite effects of Time Dilation and Length Contraction, as described by Lorentz.
  • There is mention of "Complex Lorentz Transformations" potentially allowing for Time Compression, but the validity of this claim is questioned.
  • One participant notes that in complex cases involving accelerated observers, any value for time dilation could be possible, including values greater than 1, less than 1, and even negative values.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of achieving velocities represented by complex numbers, suggesting that such velocities may not exist or be attainable.
  • Discussion includes the idea that the Earth's continuous acceleration while orbiting the Sun could lead to interesting effects related to time perception.
  • A hypothetical question is posed regarding the implications of Schrödinger's Experiment for a cat in the Andromeda Galaxy, indicating a playful exploration of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of Time Compression, with multiple competing views and uncertainties remaining regarding the implications of complex velocities and the nature of time in accelerated frames.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the existence and implications of complex velocities, as well as the definitions of time dilation and compression in different contexts. The discussion remains open-ended without resolving these complexities.

Michio Cuckoo
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Time Compression and Length Expansion are the opposite effects of Time Dilation and Length Contraction.

According to Lorentz, observation of time in another inertial reference frame is ALWAYS dilated.

But I read on some other forum that due to "Complex Lorentz Transformations", Time Compression is actually possible.

Is this true?
 
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Michio Cuckoo said:
Time Compression and Length Expansion are the opposite effects of Time Dilation and Length Contraction.

According to Lorentz, observation of time in another inertial reference frame is ALWAYS dilated.

But I read on some other forum that due to "Complex Lorentz Transformations", Time Compression is actually possible.

Is this true?


You would need to provide a link to the other messages for anyone to say whether what was posted was true or not.

In "complex" cases involving accelerated observers, any value is possible (greater than 1, less than 1 and even negative values) because time dilation is just a geometric projection.
 
Michio Cuckoo said:
But I read on some other forum that due to "Complex Lorentz Transformations", Time Compression is actually possible.

Is this true?

Yes, but we know of no way to "accelerate" to velocities like [itex]\left(5+3\cdot i\right)\ \dfrac{\mathrm{m}}{\mathrm{s}}[/itex]. I've had a good time thinking about what would be possible if we could, but at the moment, we don't even think such velocities exist (?), let alone be able to travel at them.
 
Whovian said:
Yes, but we know of no way to "accelerate" to velocities like [itex]\left(5+3\cdot i\right)\ \dfrac{\mathrm{m}}{\mathrm{s}}[/itex]. I've had a good time thinking about what would be possible if we could, but at the moment, we don't even think such velocities exist (?), let alone be able to travel at them.

The Earth is continually accelerating as it orbits the Sun. That alone is enough to cause 'interesting' effects. A trick question to consider is "How many lives does a cat living in the Andromeda Galaxy need if it is to survive Schroedinger's Experiment?" from our point of view.
 

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