Why our time dimension is about to become space-like

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on a theoretical proposition that the universe may soon lose its dimension of time, as suggested by researchers from the University of Salamanca. Participants explore the implications of this idea, its feasibility, and the nature of time and space as dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a claim that the universe is on the verge of losing its time dimension, suggesting it could appear to expand and accelerate away from observers.
  • One participant questions the implications of such a change for human existence, asking what would happen if this signature changed.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the predictive power of string theory in relation to this hypothesis, suggesting it may be the last theory ever proven.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about attempting to document the idea, indicating a sense of confusion or difficulty in grasping the concept.
  • Some participants acknowledge the idea as interesting but emphasize the need for testability to validate its correctness.
  • One participant argues that time and space should not be viewed merely as mathematical parameters, proposing that a physical understanding requires considering energy-density alongside them.
  • Another participant asserts that the hypothesis is untestable and suggests that a reversal of the arrow of time would lead to a confusing universe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of intrigue and skepticism regarding the hypothesis. There is no consensus on the validity or implications of the idea, and multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of time and space.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the lack of testability of the hypothesis, which may limit its physical relevance. There are also discussions about the definitions and interpretations of time and space, indicating potential limitations in understanding the concepts presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring theoretical physics, the nature of time and space, and the implications of emerging scientific hypotheses.

SF
It don’t get much weirder than this. The universe is about to lose its dimension of time says a group of theoretical astrobods at the University of Salamanca in Spain. And they got the evidence to prove it.

[..]

This ain’t entirely bonkers and here’s why. Bars Mars has calculated what it’s like to be an observer in a universe that is about to flip and get this: it would look as if it were expanding and accelerating away from us. Sound familiar?

http://arxivblog.com/?p=71
 
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So... what would happen to us (if we are still around) when the signature changed?
 
SF said:
It don’t get much weirder than this. The universe is about to lose its dimension of time says a group of theoretical astrobods at the University of Salamanca in Spain. And they got the evidence to prove it.

And who says string theory can't predict anything? The corollary is that it will be the last theory ever proved. :smile:
 
I tried writing this down for future reference, but it unwrote itself.
 
Huh, that is weird. Just when you think you've heard everything!


It is an interesting idea but unless there is someway to actually test and verify it is correct it is just a curious exercise :-p
 
Is there anyonyone physisist who understand time or space as dimensions other than mathemathecal parameters? In mij opinion one can only get a sensible physical meaning of space-time if this is seen together with (its) energy-density. Time and space by themselves don't exist on their own, they are just mathematical parameters but can't be measured , can they?
So IMO the question can't be a good physical question?
 
Good observation, Brad! The hypothesis is untestable by any means imaginable. Consequences would invert to casual factors whenever the arrow of time 'flipped', resulting in an even more confusing universe.
 

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