Why was the speed of light even considered to be infinite?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the historical consideration of the speed of light as infinite and its implications on Olbers' paradox. Participants reference Rømer's determination of the speed of light in 1676, emphasizing that even with a finite speed, the universe's infinite nature could lead to paradoxical conclusions about light intensity reaching Earth. The conversation explores the combinatorial aspects of light emission from an infinite number of stars and the assumptions made by early astronomers regarding the universe's structure.

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  • Understanding of Olbers' paradox
  • Familiarity with Rømer's determination of the speed of light
  • Basic knowledge of combinatorial mathematics
  • Concept of redshift and its implications in cosmology
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  • Research the implications of Olbers' paradox in modern cosmology
  • Study Rømer's determination of the speed of light and its historical context
  • Explore the concept of redshift and its role in understanding the expanding universe
  • Investigate combinatorial mathematics as it applies to astrophysical phenomena
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Astronomers, physicists, and students of cosmology interested in the historical and theoretical aspects of light propagation and the structure of the universe.

  • #31
FallenApple said:
How many cars arrive in Providence per day? As many as there are specific degrees in a circle. So infinite.
I think you are going off in the wrong direction with this argument. You are choosing a 'degree' as a fundamental step in angle size, which doesn't make sense but the question is considering a single track road (one dimension) - a much simpler statement of the problem.
Stars don't follow the 'trees in a forest' model, where you will see 'wood' wherever you look in an infinite forest (whatever the size and spacing of trees). That implies that either the universe is not infinite or that it is infinite and there is 'something going on with' the light from very distant stars. (Or both of course)
 
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  • #32
Vanadium 50 said:
One car per day leaves Boston for Providence at 30 mph. How many cars per day arrive in Providence?
One car per day leaves Boston for Providence at 45 mph. How many cars per day arrive in Providence?
One car per day leaves Boston for Providence at 60 mph. How many cars per day arrive in Providence?

I think it depends on how many cars leave other locations for Providence each day, how many breakdowns occur, etc.
 
  • #33
Noel said:
I think it depends on how many cars leave other locations for Providence each day, how many breakdowns occur, etc.
I hope that's a joke. :wink:
 

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