Time Travel at c: Photon's Perspective

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that a photon does not possess a valid frame of reference, making it nonsensical to conceptualize its perspective on time. While an observer perceives time as halted for a photon traveling at the speed of light (c), the photon itself does not experience time in a conventional sense. Key principles of relativity state that light speed is constant across all frames, leading to the paradox of a particle being both stationary and in motion at c. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding how massive particles behave as they approach light speed rather than speculating on a photon's viewpoint.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of frames of reference
  • Knowledge of the speed of light (c) in a vacuum
  • Basic principles of particle physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Einstein's relativity on time dilation
  • Explore the concept of frames of reference in detail
  • Study the behavior of particles approaching the speed of light
  • Review the FAQ on the rest frame of a photon for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of light and time in the context of modern physics.

Cobalt101
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Is my following summary correct :
An observer will see that time has stopped for a photon as it is traveling at c. From the photon's perspective time is "normal" but this implies that the photon "sees" time for the rest of the universe as moving at infinite speed. i.e. could see the beginning and end of time as an instant.
 
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Not correct, but a common misconception.

A photon does not have a valid frame of reference. It is nonsensical to try to imagine it.

Consider:
1] One of the primary postulates of relativity is that the speed of light in a vacuum is observed to be c in all frames of reference.
2] A photon always moves at the speed of light in a vacuum.
3] An object is - by definition - stationary in its own frame of reference.

Combine 1] 2] and 3] you have a particle that is both stationary and moving at the speed of light at the same time. It is an oxymoron.

What you want to be asking is:
What would a (normal, massive) particle observe as it approaches arbitrarily close to the speed of light?
 
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