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The speed of light is constant, or so textbooks say. But some scientists are exploring the possibility that this cosmic speed limit changes, a consequence of the nature of the vacuum of space.
The definition of the speed of light has some broader implications for fields such as cosmology and astronomy, which assume a stable velocity for light over time. For instance, the speed of light comes up when measuring the fine structure constant (alpha), which defines the strength of the electromagnetic force. And a varying light speed would change the strengths of molecular bonds and the density of nuclear matter itself.
A non-constant speed of light could mean that estimates of the size of the universe might be off. (Unfortunately, it won't necessarily mean we can travel faster than light, because the effects of physics theories such as relativity are a consequence of light's velocity). [10 Implications of Faster-Than-Light Travel]
I can't wait till data starts coming in from those satellites that are exiting the solar system, that data will be very important to science. It will either help to verify theories or make the theories need revisions.
Originally posted by th3dudeabides
reply to post by Cosmic911
According to textbooks c is a constant. But the value of c, by measurement, changes. I've read articles where the value of c can also be reduced to 34 m/s. The textbooks are wrong, c is mostly constant in certain conditions but it can be altered by natural phenomena and man-made equipment.
Originally posted by Danbones
Well we know light changes speed in a vacuum because it bends through gravity
www.ehow.com...
Originally posted by th3dudeabides
reply to post by Cosmic911
According to textbooks c is a constant. But the value of c, by measurement, changes. I've read articles where the value of c can also be reduced to 34 m/s. The textbooks are wrong, c is mostly constant in certain conditions but it can be altered by natural phenomena and man-made equipment.
Originally posted by mideast
OK , I thought that these scientists were sent by god himself.
And I thought they just speak the truth.
And I can not accept that they have changed their comments.
Nothing amazing, and would make only tiny differences.
Originally posted by Panic2k11
reply to post by Subterranean13
Nothing amazing, and would make only tiny differences.
Well the size of the differences will depend on the size of the medium that the light will travel and its characteristic. In astronomical scales this may not be such a tiny issue.
In astronomical scales, it probably averages out to no effect at all, other than to appear as noise. It isn't a bias in any one direction, fast or slow, it's random. If it exists
Originally posted by Subterranean13
Originally posted by Danbones
Well we know light changes speed in a vacuum because it bends through gravity
www.ehow.com...
The link you post talks nothing about gravity. I'm guessing you're talking about gravitational lenses, in which case light still travels at the same speed, it is spacetime that is bent. This is part of general relativity.