Is time travel possible? By Lollie Rabin Year 10
Although time travel is sadly not what is
slower pace compared to when you are on the
portrayed in sci-fi movies, science says that it is
ground. Many experiments have been carried
technically possible to achieve, but there is
out to prove Einstein’s theory. For example, a
much dispute about how fast you can travel.
satellite
Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity states that
gyroscopes
time travel is possible but you can’t travel faster
angular motion), to measure tiny twists and
than the speed of light. Indeed, modern theories
warps in space time made by the Earth as it
about wormholes, cosmic strings and the
moves and rotates through space. This proved
"Alcubierre drive" mean one can travel faster
that
than the speed of light. This article will seek to
manifestations.
explain these ideas and how they might make
Why does modern day science say that you can
time travel possible.
travel faster than the speed of light?
What is Einstein’s theory of relativity?
Idea #1: Cosmic Strings
Einstein published his paper on relativity in
Cosmic strings are the ‘texture of the universe’.
1916 associating the force of gravity with the
These
changing geometry of space-time. Essentially, it
defects", meaning that they are not evolving or
states that instead of gravity being an invisible
changing in any way: they are just there and
force attracting objects to another, gravity is the
cannot be removed. They were first discovered
curving or warping of space. The bigger the
in the 1970s when technology became advanced
objects, the more gravity warps the space
enough for scientists to detect them.
was
equipped
(instruments
Einstein's
strings
are
theory
with
sensitive
which
measure
had
physical
known as "topological
around it. This is the same principle that all the planets orbiting around the sun in our solar system follow. This warping of gravity also affects the measurement of time. We tend to think of time moving at a constant rate, but as gravity can warp space, it can also dilate time. Einstein says that the faster you travel the slower you experience time. For example, when you are on
an aeroplane, the clock will tick at a
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