- #1
Ronin84790
- 1
- 0
Does any think or feel that we will be able to achive warp speed in my life time? I'm 30 years old.
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the feasibility of achieving warp speed within a human lifetime, with participants expressing skepticism based on current scientific theories. According to established physics, particularly Einstein's theory of relativity, faster-than-light (FTL) travel is deemed impossible unless existing theories are fundamentally proven wrong. The conversation highlights the unpredictable nature of scientific advancement, suggesting that significant breakthroughs may occur unexpectedly, but emphasizes that current understanding does not support the possibility of FTL travel.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
- Familiarity with concepts of faster-than-light (FTL) travel
- Knowledge of scientific methodology and theory evolution
- Basic principles of quantum physics
- Research advancements in quantum physics and their implications for space travel
- Study the limitations of current theories in physics, particularly relativity
- Explore theoretical models that propose alternatives to FTL travel
- Investigate historical scientific breakthroughs and their unpredictable nature
Anyone interested in theoretical physics, science enthusiasts, and individuals curious about the future of space travel and the limits of human innovation.
- #2
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,266
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How is this quantum physics?
- Warren
- Warren
- #3
drag
Science Advisor
- 1,097
- 1
You plan to live for a long time, don't you...
Welcome to PF Ronin !
(btw, What's web police ?)
Live long and prosper.
Welcome to PF Ronin !
(btw, What's web police ?)
Live long and prosper.
- #4
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,266
- 45
I suppose I'll answer anyway, even if the question has nothing to do with quantum physics.
According to currently accepted theories, there cannot ever be faster-than-light travel. The only way for future technology to achieve FTL travel is if current theories are wrong.
When will we realize that the current theory is wrong and replace it with a better one? Who can say? Science tends to work in leaps and bounds -- contradictory evidence collects like snow on a mountain until someone shouts and starts an avalanche. There is probably no way to predict, in even vague terms, when we might reach another turning point in physical understanding.
One would think that, as science progresses, it stabilizes onto a set of valid theories. When these accepted theories no longer change for a very long time, one might even be willing to declare them "done." Modern physics has been evolving very quickly in the last 200 years or so. But how long is 200 years in terms of scientific evolution? How can anyone say with even tenuous conviction that 200 years is or is not enough time for mankind to learn all the rules? How about 2000?
I guess the bottom line is that it's pointless to concern yourself with the duration of a process you've never seen before.
- Warren
According to currently accepted theories, there cannot ever be faster-than-light travel. The only way for future technology to achieve FTL travel is if current theories are wrong.
When will we realize that the current theory is wrong and replace it with a better one? Who can say? Science tends to work in leaps and bounds -- contradictory evidence collects like snow on a mountain until someone shouts and starts an avalanche. There is probably no way to predict, in even vague terms, when we might reach another turning point in physical understanding.
One would think that, as science progresses, it stabilizes onto a set of valid theories. When these accepted theories no longer change for a very long time, one might even be willing to declare them "done." Modern physics has been evolving very quickly in the last 200 years or so. But how long is 200 years in terms of scientific evolution? How can anyone say with even tenuous conviction that 200 years is or is not enough time for mankind to learn all the rules? How about 2000?
I guess the bottom line is that it's pointless to concern yourself with the duration of a process you've never seen before.
- Warren
- #5
hypnagogue
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 2,283
- 3
Wow, that's a beautiful metaphor, Warren. You should make a poem of it.
- #6
russ_watters
Mentor
- 23,800
- 11,239
I voted no. You won't win any money betting against relativity.
- #7
Adrian Baker
- 378
- 2
No way will it happen.
We live in an age where Science and Technology seem to be able to solve all problems. The steps forward that mankind has made are huge. A belief that 'anything is possible' is one that has made our society what it is.
However, eventually human dreams come up against the way the Universe works. This is 'the final frontier' and not one that we can cross.
This doesn't stop us dreaming though...hence this thread!
We live in an age where Science and Technology seem to be able to solve all problems. The steps forward that mankind has made are huge. A belief that 'anything is possible' is one that has made our society what it is.
However, eventually human dreams come up against the way the Universe works. This is 'the final frontier' and not one that we can cross.
This doesn't stop us dreaming though...hence this thread!
- #8
beatsntoons
Why not?
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