- #1
Djrob99
- 13
- 0
Wormholes for Dummies Question...
First let me say, I am not a scientist, I'm an MBA type, but I am fascinated with physics and the Universe and have the utmost respect for those of you who actually understand it.
I was recently watching the Science channel and there was a show on the universe and specifically on wormholes and possible time travel, etc. While I totally get the possibility of traveling into the future via climbing on a spaceship and going at the speed of light for a few light years and then returning back to Earth (yeah, I know all about the physical limitations, ultra doses of radiation, etc. but just work with me) and having time have passed much faster than while you were on the ship. What I don't get is some of the theory they discussed on time travel using a wormhole.
I understand the theory of having two openings in space connected by the "tunnel" but here's where I get confused. First, the analogy they gave was a flat piece of paper with two circles drawn on it, then the paper was folded so the two holes could basically be connected via a tunnel between them. Are they saying that space is curved or are they just showing a visual that if there were such tunnels that you can cover vast distances through a "shortcut"? Secondly, they discussed time travel possibilities leading to the past via a wormhole. This I don't get at all. First, I believe that time is linear and much like a memorex tape that you pull the tabs off of so that it can never be recorded on again, BUT for the sake of theory... How do you go backwards in time using a wormhole? If the spacetime is the same in both locations involved in a wormhole, how does one end become the past?
Hopefully, this is not too elementary for someone to answer. I appreciate the time and help!
First let me say, I am not a scientist, I'm an MBA type, but I am fascinated with physics and the Universe and have the utmost respect for those of you who actually understand it.
I was recently watching the Science channel and there was a show on the universe and specifically on wormholes and possible time travel, etc. While I totally get the possibility of traveling into the future via climbing on a spaceship and going at the speed of light for a few light years and then returning back to Earth (yeah, I know all about the physical limitations, ultra doses of radiation, etc. but just work with me) and having time have passed much faster than while you were on the ship. What I don't get is some of the theory they discussed on time travel using a wormhole.
I understand the theory of having two openings in space connected by the "tunnel" but here's where I get confused. First, the analogy they gave was a flat piece of paper with two circles drawn on it, then the paper was folded so the two holes could basically be connected via a tunnel between them. Are they saying that space is curved or are they just showing a visual that if there were such tunnels that you can cover vast distances through a "shortcut"? Secondly, they discussed time travel possibilities leading to the past via a wormhole. This I don't get at all. First, I believe that time is linear and much like a memorex tape that you pull the tabs off of so that it can never be recorded on again, BUT for the sake of theory... How do you go backwards in time using a wormhole? If the spacetime is the same in both locations involved in a wormhole, how does one end become the past?
Hopefully, this is not too elementary for someone to answer. I appreciate the time and help!