Few subjects fire up our imagination as much as time travel. H.G. Wells’ classic novel, The Time Machine, published in 1895, remains popular to this day. However, let us ask a serious scientific question: Is time travel possible?
Actually, no law of physics prohibits time travel. Indeed, numerous solutions to Einstein’s general relativity equations predict time travel is possible. Time dilation experiments (i.e. slowing down time), routinely performed with particle accelerators, lend credence that time can be scientifically manipulated.
The science community proposes three methods to travel in time. In brief, they are:
- Faster-than-light (FTL) time travel to the future – A clock traveling near the speed of light runs slower that a stationary clock. For example, it is an experimental fact that a clock on a jet plane flying over the airport runs slower than a clock at the airport.
- Using wormholes – A wormhole is a theoretical entity, in which space-time curvature connects two distant locations (or times). We infer wormholes from Einstein’s general relativity.
- Using black holes – Most scientists believe time travel requires enormous energy. Since a black hole already has the enormous energy we need, scientists postulate we could use it as a time machine.
None of the above time travel methods is within the grasp of today’s science. However, as we so often observe, today’s science fiction becomes tomorrow’s science fact.
In addition to the obstacles presented by the above time travel methods, some scientists have surfaced other obstacles, namely time travel paradoxes. Time travel paradoxes are thought experiments that illustrate that time travel may potentially violate causality (cause and effect). The most famous time travel paradox is the known as the “grandfather paradox.” It goes something like this: You travel back in time and meet your grandfather. When you meet him, you change events in such a way that he misses the opportunity to meet your grandmother. Thus, your grandfather never meets your grandmother, and they never marry. What happens to you? Theoretically, you will never be born.
Do time travel paradoxes make time travel impossible? Many scientists say they do not, and are able to propose numerous theories, themselves thought experiments, to resolve time travel paradoxes. Among them are Kip Thorne, an American theoretical physicist and Professor of Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology until 2009, who argues that time paradoxes are imprecise thought experiments, which can be resolved by numerous consistent solutions.
We started this post with a deceptively simple question: Is time travel possible? The majority of the scientific community believes it is possible. In fact, some well-known theoretical physicists, like Michio Kaku, believe that time travel is an engineering problem. Even time travel paradoxes do not appear to present insurmountable obstacles.
In my book, Unraveling The Universe’s Mysteries, I present an original solution to Einstein’s equations of special relativity that delineates a relationship between existence and energy. The equation, which I term the “Existence Equation Conjecture,” appears to shed light on the mystery of time dilation, and to some extent on time travel. In fact, with the equation, I am able to predict the effects of time dilation on subatomic particles accelerated near the speed of light. The equation also provides a foundation to explain the universe’s accelerated expansion, which is the subject of a previous post, “Unraveling The Universe’s Accelerated Expansion,” http://bit.ly/RqWFYD.
It may be hard, if not impossible, to believe that time travel is possible. Yet, solutions to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, time dilation experiments, and the Existence Equation Conjecture suggest that time travel is possible. Welcome to the edge of science, where physics and metaphysics blur.
Great post! Question (I’m a laymen)…you stated ‘Faster-than-light (FTL) time travel to the future.’ So is it implied the other 2 methods will/would be able to time travel to the past? Thanks!
Thank you for your question. The short answer to your question is yes. Faster-than-light time travel focuses on time travel to the future. The other methods discussed (i.e. wormholes and black holes) offer the theoretical possibility of time travel to either the future or the past. The majority of the scientific community agrees that no law of physics prohibits time travel, to either the past or the future. Faster than light (FTL) time travel to the future is based on time dilation experiments, typically performed with high energy particle accelerators. Einstein’s theory of special relativity predicted that any mass accelerated near the speed of light would experience time dilation (i.e. time would move slower for that mass). Therefore, a clock accelerated to near the speed of light would be slower than a clock at rest. This is not an optical illusion, but a science fact. Therefore, if you are in a space ship traveling near the speed of light, you will age slower than anyone living on Earth. If you return to the Earth, after what seems a short journey to you, the people on Earth will have aged faster than you have. In essence, you will have journeyed to the future. However, as I mentioned in the article, the proposed methods to travel in time are beyond the grasp of today’s science.
Yes, FTL implies time travel to the future. The other two methods would, theoretically, allow time travel to the future and to the past.
i got question if time machine do become a reality will it be for everyone, like people will have time machine in their home or will go to kind of airport for holiday or to go back in time to find work to get money to support their needs in present day or even live in the past time to experiences/relive the 50s,60s,70s,80s,90s if go back to those decade possible, i know my question sound like crazy or hard to understand i always think about if time machine become real will it for everyone to own or it be airport like. thanks for reading my post
I don’t think anyone really knows how time machines will be used, once they are invented. I believe science will eventually unlock the secrets to time travel. Based on my own research (i.e. Existence Equation Conjecture and the experimental verification of its validity), enormous energy will be required to travel in time. That suggest that time machines will first be confined to the laboratory, much the same way the first computers were the providence of large universities, businesses, and the government. However, as we advance, our ability to harness energy will also advance. It may get to the point that almost every home has a time machine, much the same way almost every home has a PC. The further we extrapolate into the future, the more likely it becomes that time travel will be available to everyone.
On the subject of time travel, I understand that it can theoretically be achieved through the methods you mentioned above, but I have wondered if any thought has been given as to the possible effects of the time travelers’ particles existing in concert with the very same particles of the time to which the travelers have been transported. If time exists in a linear state as time travel theories such as the above premise, then wouldn’t the particles in the time travelers’ bodies and equipment also exist in the same state, if only in alternate configurations or embodiments? So, what would be the effect of having sets of two identical particles existing in the same time, essentially overlapping each other in a way that is not currently possible in nature?
The full implications of time travel remain unknown. From particle acceleration data, we routinely observe time dilation, which to me implies the particle has time traveled to the future. I think about it this way: A particle with a short life time, let’s assume a small fraction of a second, can have its life time (existence) increased by a factor of ten or more by accelerating it near the speed of light. Since it exists longer than it would have at rest, and I can observe it at a point in the future due to its extended life, suggests it has time traveled to the future. This is not an optical illusion. It is real. The actual life of the particle is extended. However, we don’t see two particles in the future. When the particle is accelerated, and its existence is increased, it remains the same particle. From this, can we extrapolate that if you time travel to the future, your future self will not be there at the same time you are? Maybe! We don’t know the laws of time travel. We don’t know how time paradoxes will be resolved. My opinion, based on particle acceleration data, is we would not have two identical particles in the same time, overlapping each other. However, this is my opinion now, a data point, subject to change if we get new data.
I heard about Quantum Jumping. Something like we jump to the future e.g. if in one of our future state (or differtent universe) is rich, we can then ‘bring it back’ and ‘change’ our present state so that we can be rich in this life. I like this concept :). Any comment on this?
Hi Louis,
The way I see it is that the greatest inhibiting factor for FLT travel is the negative energy. This is because negative energy is what limits the speed if light which light is moving through. This would tie into the latest research in Bonn where they spoke of the “lattice” which governs the behaviour of mass/matter, would it not? The key to FLT travel would be to somehow enable a craft to travel “inside or within” the negative energy lattice as opposed to through it where it can interact with mass of the craft. To travel through the negative energy would require a level of energy that would rise exponentially the further past the speed of light one moved because the effect of negative energy is relative to the mass and energy of the matter moving through it.
I like to.visualise a mouse moving around under a rug as an expression of how matter would move inside the negative energy lattice. I am of the opinion that this is how dark matter moves. The effect we detect as dark matter moves is the bulge we can see in the rug. If one could somehow manage to move inside the lattice then the effect of the negative energy would be polarised and the craft could then achieve a state of unlimited energy.
Would that be correct?
Hi Skalisko Raska,
You have made some extremely astute observations. I am writing a new book, “How to Time Travel.” In it I discuss negative energy and the role it plays in time travel. Physicists like Stephen Hawking believe the Casimir effect proves that negative energy is real. In fact, some physicist are attempting to use the Casimir effect to create negative energy. I expect to publish my new book about mid-late summer.
Numerous physicist have hypothesized that light moves faster in a negative vacuum than our normal positive vacuum. They also argue that a spacecraft surrounded by negative energy would be able to move faster than light.
To the extent that I understand your comment, I think you are correct.
I appreciate your comment and want to encourage you to continue the line of reasoning you delineated.
Best regards,
Lou Del Monte
Hi Lou,
Cheers for the encouraging words. Could you please explain the difference between a positive and negative vacuum for me. Is a negative vacuum that which would exist beyond absolute zero?
Skalisko.
Hi Skalisko,
The energy in a vacuum is termed “vacuum energy.” Surprisingly, it appears to obey the laws of quantum mechanics. For example, the energy will statistically vary within the vacuum. When the vacuum energy statistically concentrates, it gives rise to virtual particles, which is termed a “quantum fluctuation.” When the metal plates are spaced closely, relatively few virtual particles can form between the plates. A much larger population of virtual particles can form around the plates. This larger population of particles exerts a force on the outside of the plates. This force is the Casimir-Polder force, and pushes the plates together. However, another strange physical phenomenon is also occurring between the closely spaced plates. In quantum mechanics, every particle has a “zero-point energy.” Even a vacuum is said to have a zero-point energy. The zero-point energy, or the “ground state,” is the lowest energy level that a particle or a vacuum may have. By reducing the space between the plates, some physicists believe we are reducing the normal zero point energy of the vacuum between the plates. When this occurs, those physicists argue the vacuum energy between the plates is negative energy (i.e. below the zero-point energy).
I suggest you read up on the Casimir effect. Stephen Hawking and others point to this as proof that negative energy is real.
Best regards,
Lou
Hi Lou, it’s been awhile since your reply. I’ve really just been thinking about the best way to respond. The Casimir effect is actually proof of the perspective I offer to you. Rather than the plates attracting, the space in between them is contracting. The virtual particles in and of themselves are expansive force because of their movement inhabit more space than their base mass so as they are pushed outside the plates the once inhabited space attempts to contract back to absolute zero. That is to say, a state of zero pressure. Cosmic rays are proof that there is a resistant force to pressure, or expansive force, because if their wasn’t cosmic rays would not be able to maintain their integrity as such for very long. This resistance is contractive force. At some stage science will come to this conclusion and make the simple transition of perspective required. Here’s hoping. But this is why I devised the particle deccelerator that I’ve spoken of to you – how to freeze an atom at absolute zero or how to deccelerate it…
I have a question if you time travel to the past wouldn’t that itself mess with your future? Because you would disappear from your timeline. And I thought black holes squeeze and streatch things together? So you wouldn’t be able to go through one right?
Hi Annonymous,
The first part of your question relates to time travel paradoxes. The majority of the scientific community don’t think that time travel paradoxes will occur, and if they do occur, time will “heal itself.” I discuss this in my book, “Unraveling the Universe’s Mysteries.” The second part of your question is about black holes. Black holes represent regions of space where the gravitational attraction is so great that not even light can escape. There are some theoretical aspects of a black hole that suggest it can be used as a time machine. However, most of the scientific community doesn’t think it is practical. You’d be crushed attempting to go through it.
I hope I have answered your questions.
Lou Del Monte
Lets say for what ever reason we do unlock the possibility of time travel , lets say we are able to go to the past and future , wouldn’t we be able to change our past ? wouldn’t that change our future, to wrap it all up my true question is do you believe that whether time travel is possible today or 1000 years from now, do you truly believe mankind is ready for such a thing? Without out knowing what a single change in our past may possibly bring to outcome to our future how could we possibly do such a thing willingly. It would be almost inhumane to change outcomes and possibilities as human beings , just because we are able to do something does not mean we should do it .
Hi Rafael,
Human time travel will be invented before the end of this century. We are right on the edge of breakthrough. Your question and concerns are well founded. If time travel isn’t highly regulated, it could spell doom for human kind. Our first time travel into the past or future could be our last, if we trigger a series of events that lead to our undoing. In my new book, How To Time Travel, I discuss some recent experiments that suggest time travel to the future can change the past, which could be out present. We really don’t know the real dangers involved with time travel. In my new book, I suggest one rule: Preserve the World Line. This means do nothing that could change the past or the future. Just be an observer. I also recommend we start with near past and near future time travel (measured in seconds) and for only a short duration (measured in seconds), until we understand the full implications of time travel.
Do I think humankind is ready for time travel? I do not know. History suggests that technology advances outstrip our ability to regulate and use the wisely. If we are not careful with time travel, it could be our last scientific discovery.
Best regards,
Lou
Hey
I have one question regarding time traveling. Let’s just assume that at some point in the future whether it is the near future or not that time traveling exists. so wouldn’t we at this moment be seeing some people traveling back in time maybe changing some stuff. And wouldn’t there be some kind of proof that such people exist and travel in time?
Hi ufancha,
There is a scientific theory that asserts you cannot go back to a time prior to when the time machine was built. This means if the time machine is invented today, a 100 years from now, people can travel back to today, but not any further back.
However, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that we have been visited by time travelers. Just do a Google search for the phrase “time travel evidence” (without the quotes). I have a new book coming out in 2-3 months titled “How To Time Travel”. In it, I present both the scientific evidence and the anecdotal evidence that time travel is real.
Best regards,
Lou
The universe is a mass of particles that interact based on numbers of electrons.
Time is the continual process of atoms interacting in chemical transformations.
Time travel is defined as an individual organic entity going backward or forward in the process of chemical transformations.
For time travel to occur for an individual organic entity, the entire molecular structure of the universe would have to be forced to reverse its processes of chemical change.
The only way time travel is achievable for an individual organic entity is if its own chemical processes were suspended while the rest of the universe continued its physical processes of continual change.
Therefore, it time travel is impossible for any individual organic entity in relation to the vast molecular structure of the universe.
Just had to emphasize Now i am thankful that i happened on your web page.
I always wondered about this I can understand moving up thru time but would there be a limit how far back you can go, it may be same for both ways. if you travel back to before you are born would you just disappear you weren’t born so you didn’t grow up to time travel would this limit how far back you could go. or the other part say if you time travel when you were 25 and came back died when you were 75 death is pretty much set you are going to die sometime can you travel up in time past your death when ever that will be
You are exploring time travel paradoxes. The short answer is that most physicists do not think time travel paradoxes prohibit time travel or limit it.