Living Beyond Possible: Could I Age Less Than Earth?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter lewis1440
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of time dilation as described by the theory of relativity, specifically addressing the scenario of traveling at 100,000 m/s away from Earth for one year. Participants confirm that while time dilation occurs, the speed of 100,000 m/s is insufficient for significant aging differences; velocities approaching the speed of light (v/c nearly equal to 1) are required for noticeable effects. Practical challenges, such as energy requirements and the risk of colliding with space debris, are highlighted as major obstacles to such travel. Ultimately, the notion of significantly extending human life through high-speed space travel is deemed impractical.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Basic knowledge of time dilation and its mathematical representation
  • Familiarity with the concept of speed as a fraction of the speed of light (v/c)
  • Awareness of the challenges of space travel, including energy requirements and collision risks
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formula for time dilation: √(1 - (v/c)²)
  • Explore the implications of traveling at relativistic speeds on human physiology
  • Investigate current advancements in space travel technology and energy sources
  • Learn about the risks of space debris and current mitigation strategies
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, aerospace engineers, science fiction enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the implications of relativistic travel on aging and human life expectancy.

lewis1440
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Q.) If i were to travel at 100,000 m/s in an exact horizontal line away from Earth for approximately 1 year, when i return would everyone on Earth have aged older than me? If so, and traveling 100,000 m/s is possible for a year constant, then could i not live for 100 *earth years* without aging even a fraction of what i should have?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
welcome to pf!

hi lewis1440! welcome to pf! :wink:
lewis1440 said:
If so, and traveling 100,000 m/s is possible for a year constant, then could i not live for 100 *earth years* without aging even a fraction of what i should have?

that's correct :smile:

but you'd need to go a lot faster: the time dilation factor is only √(1 - (v/c)2), so you'd need v/c to be very nearly 1 :wink:
 
lewis1440 said:
Q.) If i were to travel at 100,000 m/s in an exact horizontal line away from Earth for approximately 1 year, when i return would everyone on Earth have aged older than me? If so, and traveling 100,000 m/s is possible for a year constant, then could i not live for 100 *earth years* without aging even a fraction of what i should have?

Welcome! I'd add that, just in case you're not sure: your own experience would be "normal" from your perspective; it's only as you've very properly said: you age a particular way in relation to (in this case) earth.

I have to say, reading the title of this thread I was worried, but that's a good question.
 
But don't get excited with the possibility of actually taking advantage of extending your life this way. It still will never happened due to many practical problems, not the least of which is the energy involved but also when traveling through space at very high relative speeds, you will impact lots of space debris that will utterly destroy your spaceship.
 
ghwellsjr said:
But don't get excited with the possibility of actually taking advantage of extending your life this way. It still will never happened due to many practical problems, not the least of which is the energy involved but also when traveling through space at very high relative speeds, you will impact lots of space debris that will utterly destroy your spaceship.

Shields up! :wink:

Kidding aside, I'd hate to impact a proton going at that speed, never mind a bit of hydrogen dust. A pebble would be... bad.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Another Time Dilation Question
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
High School Time Dilation: How Does Speed Affect Aging?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
7K
High School How far away can a World So Newly Born Be at relativistic velocities?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K
High School A scenario to help understand the twin paradox in SR
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
High School Trying to understand what "time" is (layperson)
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Undergrad Can time run backwards in an accelerating frame?
  • · Replies 125 ·
5
Replies
125
Views
8K
Undergrad Does Special and General Relativity Affect Aging of Apollo Astronauts?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
High School New Paradox Discovered, I Think
  • · Replies 98 ·
4
Replies
98
Views
8K
Undergrad Twin Paradox Explained: No Math Required
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Undergrad Twin paradox, virtual clock on ship with Earth time, discontinuity
  • · Replies 115 ·
4
Replies
115
Views
9K