Time Dilation: Current vs Massless Universe

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of velocity and gravity on time perception, specifically in relation to time dilation between our current universe and a hypothetical massless universe. Key points include the Earth's rotation at approximately 1,000 mph, its orbit around the sun at 67,000 mph, and the galaxy's rotation at 671,000 mph, all contributing to time distortion. The time dilation effect is quantified as a difference of 1-2 parts in a million, equating to about 24,000 years since the Big Bang, which is considered negligible. A stationary reference with respect to the cosmic microwave background is essential for accurately defining the age of the universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly time dilation
  • Familiarity with the cosmic microwave background radiation
  • Knowledge of gravitational effects on time perception
  • Awareness of the velocities of celestial bodies in our universe
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of time dilation in Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Explore the implications of the cosmic microwave background on cosmology
  • Study the effects of gravity on time as described by general relativity
  • Investigate the concept of a massless universe and its theoretical implications
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the relationship between gravity, velocity, and time perception in the universe.

CzarBrent
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Disclaimer: I have no formal education in physics.

I watched a TedTalk http://www.tedxamsterdam.com/video-wubbo-ockels-on-time-and-gravity/ and it got me thinking. Dangerous, I know. As I understand both velocity and gravity have an effect on our perception of time. How much does our current universe affect our measurement of time, and is there a zero point?

The Earth is rotating at ~1K mph around its axis
We're zipping around the sun at ~67k mph
Our position in the galaxy is rotating at ~ 671K mph
And then were being pulled by "The great attractor" at 14M mph.
If this wasn't enough we have the mass of earth, sun, galaxy, dark matter, etc... further causing distortion.

What would be the time dilation between a clock in a static near massless universe (save the clock and observer) and our current reference?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is no massless universe to compare clocks with, but our clocks are a bit slower than clocks in big voids. The difference is roughly 1-2 parts in a million, or 24000 years since the Big Bang. Completely negligible.

Note that you have to be stationary with respect to the cosmic microwave background to have a meaningful definition of "age of the universe".
 

Similar threads

Undergrad What about the Big Ben Paradox?
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
7K
Undergrad The Derivative Nature of Time and Its Relation to Earth's Rotation and Speed
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
High School Trying to understand what "time" is (layperson)
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
High School Time dilation in a planet-moon system
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
7K
Undergrad Realistic Time Dilation for Objects > Subatomic Particles
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Determining a stationary point of reference to base all absolute motion
  • · Replies 57 ·
2
Replies
57
Views
4K
Undergrad Twin Paradox Time Dilation in Positively Curved Universe
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
Undergrad Time dilation for the Earth's orbit around the Sun
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
8K
Undergrad Time dilation vs the Equivalence principle
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Undergrad Gravitational time dilation - acceleration vs potential
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K