Question on Time Dilation Experiment

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time dilation as it relates to different observers positioned at various points in the universe, including the Earth, the Sun, the center of the Milky Way, and the hypothetical center of the universe. Participants explore the implications of these positions on the passage of time and the nature of existence at such locations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that time would move fastest for an observer at the center of the universe, questioning the nature of time and existence in such a location.
  • Another participant counters that every observer will see clocks in other inertial systems running slower relative to their own, emphasizing the relativity of time and the lack of a unique center in the universe.
  • There is a discussion about the definition of the center of the universe, with one participant noting that it depends on the model of the universe and that all locations may equally claim to be the center.
  • A later reply introduces the idea that if the center of the universe is considered the center of the Big Bang, then it would not be moving relative to the initial expansion, leading to a different perspective on time dilation.
  • The 1971 time dilation experiment is referenced, with a participant proposing that if clocks were placed at various cosmic locations, the clock at the center of everything would be ahead of others, suggesting a hierarchy of time passage based on position.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of time at various cosmic locations, with no consensus reached on whether time moves fastest at the center of the universe or how to define such a center. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these positions on the passage of time.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of defining a center of the universe and the relativity of time, but do not resolve the implications of these concepts on time dilation or existence at different cosmic locations.

BobWylie
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
If time is slowed for an observer circling the Earth and we put an observer on the earth, sun, center of the milky way and finally the center of the universe then would it be correct to say that time would be moving fastest for the observer at the center of the universe?
If so is it possible that the passing of time becomes infinite and how would matter exist or would only energy be present in such a place?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
BobWylie said:
If time is slowed for an observer circling the Earth and we put an observer on the earth, sun, center of the milky way and finally the center of the universe then would it be correct to say that time would be moving fastest for the observer at the center of the universe?

No. But, in any case you must tell us whose inertial system it is in which you wish to make observations. Every observer will observe that clocks run slower in all other systems moving relative to his own.

Also, how do you define or locate a unique center of the universe? It would depend on the universe model you select, but generally speaking every location in the universe has equal claim to being the center--or you could also say that there is no center of the universe. It is like looking at the surface of a sphere and asking, "Where on that spherical surface is its center?"

BobWylie said:
If so is it possible that the passing of time becomes infinite?

Do you mean time passing at an infinite rate? The premise is meaningless in view of response to first question. But, No.

BobWylie said:
...and how would matter exist or would only energy be present in such a place?

Again the premise is meaningless. But, in any case, there is no place that is any different or special then any other...except for possibilities of certain black holes I suppose.
 
We have a FAQ about the center of the universe idea: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=506991
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I appreciate the quick response and please forgive me for being so general I am a layman. On the first question would time move faster at the center of the universe. In my mind the center of the universe would be the center of the big bang because from there everything theoretically originated and so (all things being equal) that point would not be moving in any direction in relation to what came out of the big bang. Now back to my reasoning for the first question I asked. The 1971 time dilatation experiment showed the clocks that traveled eastward were 40 nanoseconds behind the clock on the ground. So my thought is if this experiment was taken farther and a clock was put on the sun, center of the milky way and the center of the big bang then wouldn’t the clock at the center of everything be ahead of the clock at the center of the milky way and the milky way ahead of the sun and the sun the earth. So from the standpoint of someone on Earth the stars would appear to move faster than for the observer at the center of the universe.

Thank you for your patience.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad A question about Relativity of Time using Time dilation experiment
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad Confused about time dilation -- motion vs energy
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Reciprocal time dilation
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Undergrad Regarding centrifugal effects on the time dilation of a moving clock
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
Undergrad Can someone falsify this analogy contradicting time dilation?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
High School Simplest symmetrical time dilation question
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Undergrad Another Time Dilation Question
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
5K
Undergrad Question about the reciprocity of time dilation
  • · Replies 88 ·
3
Replies
88
Views
8K
Undergrad Questions about a thought experiment involving time dilation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Trying to understand what "time" is (layperson)
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K