Is time travel to the future easier than the past?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time travel, specifically comparing the feasibility of traveling to the future versus the past. Participants explore theoretical implications from quantum mechanics and relativity, as well as practical considerations regarding energy requirements and spatial positioning during time travel.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that traveling to the past would require an immense amount of energy to reverse the state of all particles on Earth, while traveling to the future might only require bending time and space around oneself.
  • Another participant argues that time travel to the past is not possible at all, while time travel to the future occurs at a rate of one second per second, with the potential for "jumping ahead" by traveling at a significant fraction of the speed of light, which is currently technologically unfeasible.
  • A different participant questions the mechanics of bending time and space, expressing concern about the potential for ending up in an unintended location, such as outer space or the ocean, if one were to attempt time travel while remaining fixed on Earth.
  • This participant also claims to have found a solution to the grandfather paradox, although the details are not discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of time travel to the past versus the future, with no consensus reached on the mechanics or implications of time travel. The discussion remains unresolved, particularly regarding the practicalities and theoretical underpinnings of the proposed ideas.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference quantum mechanics and relativity without fully clarifying their assumptions or the implications of these theories on time travel. There are also indications of speculative ideas that may not align with established scientific consensus.

Genecks
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So, I've been learning about quantum mechanics as of late.

If I understand correctly, there would be a large amount of energy required to "turn back the clock" on all particles throughout Earth (assume that I don't change the position of satellites or the stars) in order to go back in time.

However, if I time travel into the future, all I have to do is maintain a somewhat fixed position on Earth while bending or passing time and space around me until I get ahead into the point in future that I want. Is that right?
 
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Genecks said:
So, I've been learning about quantum mechanics as of late.

If I understand correctly, there would be a large amount of energy required to "turn back the clock" on all particles throughout Earth (assume that I don't change the position of satellites or the stars) in order to go back in time.

However, if I time travel into the future, all I have to do is maintain a somewhat fixed position on Earth while bending or passing time and space around me until I get ahead into the point in future that I want. Is that right?

Time travel into the past is not possible at all. Time travel into the future is possible at the rate of one second per second ... as you are doing right now.

You can "jump ahead" into the future of a given location by traveling away from it and back again at a substantial portion of the speed of light, a feat that is not now possible with our technology and will not likely BE possible (in any way meaningful for human travel) for centuries.
 
I don't see that. However, I think I'll take this thread to another board here at PF.

Where should I go to talk about time travel on PF?

In able to go to the future, why can't time and space simply bend around me while I attempt to maintain a particular position on Earth? The way I see it, if I did bend time and space around me, unfortunately, I could end up in outer space while the Earth is still rotating around the sun or perhaps end up in the Atlantic ocean or something.

I guess from my viewpoint, then, I'd want to be in outer space to make sure my time machine doesn't end up in the ocean or some obscure place. Also, I think I've found a way out of the grandfather paradox.
 
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Sorry, but this thread does not meet forum rules. Please read our rules on overly speculative posts and personal theories, then if you have a specific question that meets our guidelines, you may post in the appropriate forum, based on your question.
 

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