Time delay of speech to travel from moon to earth

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the time delay of communication between the Moon and Earth, specifically addressing the nature of sound transmission in space and the speed of electromagnetic signals. Participants explore theoretical implications and definitions related to communication methods in a vacuum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there is a delay in communication from the Moon to Earth and inquires about the speed of sound over different mediums.
  • Another participant asserts that communication signals travel at the speed of light, estimating a delay of approximately 2.56 seconds for a signal to reach Earth from the Moon.
  • Several participants emphasize that sound cannot travel through the vacuum of space, reiterating that communication relies on electromagnetic signals, which travel at light speed, and reference the average distance from Earth to the Moon as about 1.282 light-seconds.
  • There is a repeated assertion regarding the nature of a vacuum in space, with one participant questioning whether it is truly a vacuum or influenced by the Higgs field, while another clarifies that a vacuum is defined as an absence of matter.
  • One participant mentions that while space is not a perfect vacuum, it is close to one, and the density of matter varies depending on proximity to celestial bodies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that sound cannot travel in the vacuum of space and that communication relies on electromagnetic signals. However, there is some disagreement regarding the nature of a vacuum and the role of the Higgs field.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of a vacuum and the Higgs field, as well as varying interpretations of the nature of space and its density.

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So if I'm on the moon is there a delay with the communication to earth?

What is the speed of sound over satellites verses copper wires?



Anyone know?, this has been on my mind.

thanks
 
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k what ever u are communicating on will travel at the speed of light
so it will take about 2.56 seconds for that signal to reach earth.
 
Sound needs matter to travel through. Since the Moon and Earth are separated by the vacuum of space no sound can travel. Hence the saying "in space no one can here you scream". Any communications from Earth to the Moon will be done by sending a electromagnetic signal representing the data (radio, microwave, etc), which travel at the speed of light. Wikipedia tells me that "The average distance from the Earth to the Moon is about 1.282 light-seconds."
 
is the vacuum of space really a vacuum or is it the higgs field.
 
DaleSwanson said:
Sound needs matter to travel through. Since the Moon and Earth are separated by the vacuum of space no sound can travel. Hence the saying "in space no one can here you scream". Any communications from Earth to the Moon will be done by sending a electromagnetic signal representing the data (radio, microwave, etc), which travel at the speed of light. Wikipedia tells me that "The average distance from the Earth to the Moon is about 1.282 light-seconds."

The proper saying is, "In space, no one can hear you scream unless it is the battle cry of a United States Marine Corps Space Aviator!" - R. Lee Ermey, from Space: Above and Beyond.
 
cragar said:
is the vacuum of space really a vacuum or is it the higgs field.

A Vacuum is defined as an absence of matter. Higgs field has nothing to do with it. And while space is NOT a perfect vacuum, it is about as perfect as you can get. The density of matter in space varies depending on how close you are to stars, planets, nebulas, ETC. Inter galactic space (Space between galaxies) is supposedly the best vacuum possible I believe.
 

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