You should be shot for asking: how does matter move faster than light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of how matter could appear to move faster than light, particularly in the context of cosmological expansion. Participants explore the implications of the Big Bang theory and its terminology, as well as the nature of motion and distance in an expanding universe.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that in cosmological expansion, distances increase uniformly, suggesting that this is a change in geometry rather than ordinary motion, which cannot be subject to a speed limit.
  • Another participant expresses frustration at the repeated questions regarding how matter can move faster than light, implying that such questions overlook fundamental concepts in cosmology.
  • Some participants propose that the term "Big Bang" may be misleading and suggest alternative names like "Big Balloon" or "Big Rescaling" to better reflect the nature of the universe's expansion.
  • There is a mention of historical context regarding the term "Big Bang," noting that it was coined in a derogatory manner by Frank Hoyle, who favored steady state models.
  • One participant expresses a desire for more genuine questions about cosmology, indicating that curiosity could lead to greater understanding and appreciation of the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the terminology of cosmological models and the implications of the Big Bang theory. There is no consensus on the appropriateness of the term "Big Bang" or how to frame questions about faster-than-light movement.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions hinge on the interpretation of cosmological expansion and the nature of motion versus geometry, which may depend on specific definitions and assumptions that are not fully articulated in the thread.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals curious about cosmology, the nature of the universe, and the implications of different terminologies used in scientific discourse.

marcus
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We got some questions like: how did our matter get here ahead of the ancient light that is just now catching up? How can matter move faster than light?

In normal expansion cosmology there is a uniform pattern of expanding distances. When distances expand uniformly nobody gets anywhere. There isn't any thing or place you are approaching or getting closer to. You are not going in any direction. So it is not ordinary motion that a speed limit could apply to---it is a change in geometry. Motion has to have a direction.

Watch the toy model:
Google "wright balloon model" or go to
http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/Balloon2.html
The galaxies are the white whirlers, basically they are all sitting still and all getting farther apart from each other.

On the other hand, you can watch the photons of light moving. They actually change their longitude latitude position. Each of the photons has a definite direction it is going. You will not see any galaxy move in any direction and certainly not move faster than a photon!

Of course you will see distances increase faster than the speed of light. Just watch carefully. The photons all move the same constant speed and the larger distances on the balloon surface grow faster than that.

So you should be shot for asking "how does matter move faster than light?" Obviously it doesn't!

For Anaximander's sweet sake, grow up! You people who ask questions like that. :biggrin:
 
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There's something in the FAQ about this, but the most shootable people don't seem to be willing or able to read the relevant FAQ. They just go blithely on and ask YSBSFA questions like "how did we get here ahead of the ancient light?"
 
The name Big Bang provokes these questions.
So maybe it's rather that this name for expanding universe model is simply stupid.

Let's call it Big Balloon or maybe Big Bubble. What do you say? :-p

But then again you get questions like - into what universe is expanding?

So I personally would prefer something like Big Rescaling. :biggrin:
 
zonde said:
The name Big Bang provokes these questions.
So maybe it's rather that this name for expanding universe model is simply stupid.

Let's call it Big Balloon or maybe Big Bubble. What do you say? :-p

But then again you get questions like - into what universe is expanding?

So I personally would prefer something like Big Rescaling. :biggrin:

The name was coined by Frank Hoyle - he was in disagreement with this theory - being an advocate of the steady state cosmological models - the term was indeed initially meant as derisery. The term just stuck.

What name we call the Big Bang has no real significance on the underlying mechanism - it is just a name, and the FAQs on this site very clearly outline the counterintuitive nature of said name.
 
I don't know, but I think if everyone was interested enough to ask any genuine questions about Cosmology from the simpleton to the genius, then mankind as a race would at last begin to show some promise. Saying that I can't thank ALL the contributors to this site enough for all their efforts, it is indeed very appreciated.
 
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