This discussion centers on the theoretical possibilities of time travel to the past through Closed Time-like Curves (CTCs) and wormholes. Participants debate whether CTCs inherently allow for time travel or if wormholes serve as the only viable method for achieving this. The conversation highlights the lack of formal definitions in physics for both concepts, with an emphasis on the need for clarity in terminology. The suggestion to research "wormhole metric" indicates a pathway for deeper understanding of these theories.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the scientific exploration of time travel concepts.
novella said:In theory, is time travel to the past possible by traveling completely around the loop of the CTC (where it would seem future links with its own past) or is a wormhole the only way to time travel by way of short cutting the CTC.
nitsuj said:I'm not aware of any formal physics definition for a "wormhole" and have always thought of a CTC being the same thing as a wormhole.
So what's a wormhole?