Page 7
Fig. 1.
T h e A S T R O N O M I C O N E s s a y s
Some Random Thoughts on Space &Time.
Many topics often overlap into two or more categories and it's not always easy trying to decide where to put them (besides the trash bin). A good example is a science fiction movie that has a frightening monster in it. Is it a horror movie or a sci-fi movie? Since not all horror is science fiction and vice versa, and creating sub-categories would be endless, I decided to abscond with some of the essays of NOUMENOMICON and put them here. As hopefully demonstrated in some of these writings, time-travel and space-travel are actually one and the same. Or are certainly inseparable from one another.
The Many Faces of Clocks
--------------------------------------------------------------------
These beginning essays represent some of my earlier mental explorations as to a more substantial explanation on the nature of time. After viewing numerous documentaries on the subject and reading various articles, it became clear that no one really understands what time is, and educated guesses are the best we have, from the brightest minds available. Well, if guesses are the name of the game, and if one possesses a modicum of education and a smattering familiarity with a given topic, then count me in. I've never been shy to express an opinion and in this case, mine is nearly as good as most others; so let'er rip, as they say.
One of the largest stumbling blocks that impedes virtually any discussion of time, as if it was something tangible, is the inability of language to adequate describe our observations. In my essays on time, it is clear that I struggled with finding the right words to use, terms and phrases which might more accurately portray the nuances and elusive characteristics of something that permeates every aspect of our existence. Of existence itself. One of the interesting little revelations I discovered is that words do make a difference and using certain descriptions, while still a flawed process, led me to think of time in ways I'd not previously considered. While this is always true for any speculative, non-fiction article or essay -- a kind of endless editing process -- it is particularly relevant to the subject of time. More precisely time-space; two little words that we can separate grammatically, but never cosmologically.
Even before I discovered the Planck lengths and units of measurement, I had already been imagining indivisible spaces -- I simply called them points -- whereby two or more "things" would physically touch one another if moved any closer. "Touching" in this case refers to either the molecular or sub-atomic levels that might define or separate one complete thing from another. Planck units describe the same situation in terms of two or more things occupying the same space if positioned any nearer to one another. It's interesting that Planck units do not overtly imagine anything as actually touching, but rather in their not occupying the same space. It's as if at this ultra level of minus-magnitude, there's nothing to touch, per se. Even more interesting, perhaps, is the application of this same principle (and definition) to what are known as Planck units of time -- as opposed to a span of distance, no matter how small. Planck-time purports to answer the question: How tiny is the smallest span of time?
As it turns out, English gives us a wealth of words that can be used to describe the concept of time. Not so much time itself, but the steady, progressive passage of it. Referring to the flow of time, while poetic, doesn't tell us much about what it is that's actually flowing. Water flows, but that tells us nothing about water itself, other than it's a liquid. So if time flows, what does that really mean? How do we even begin to describe such a thing? A good start is in choosing words that more aptly define the meager trail of evidence left in time's wake as it passes from present to past. I no longer include future as any meaningful part of the discussion; in a universe where our sun could explode at any moment, the concept of future seems pitifully exuberant, if not arrogant. For practical reasons, I still use the term, but begrudgingly.
Thus when I use certain other terms, some of them original and invented by me, it is for the sole purpose of trying to grab a handful of smoke or fog. Such is the ethereal, almost mystical nature of time. One word in particular that I like (my own word, of course) is elapse -- meaning: to become later by the passage of a given amount of time. It's my word because I apply it to time in the form of elapsing or elapsation -- meaning: to become later via the passage of a single Planck unit of time, or via the smallest increment of time we can imagine. Any smaller and no difference would theoretically exist among future, present, and past. Note the similarity to a Planck length whereby any less of a gap or space between two things would result in an undifferentiated combination of the two. All of this an absolute indication of interconnectedness -- in this case between time and actual, physical distance.
Although much of this is examined in more detail and from a variety of perspectives in the essays found both here and in NOUMENOMICON, I wanted readers to be prepared for the seemingly haphazard tossing-out of any number of words and terms that are used to describe my views of time and space. And to understand that my approach is not as random or cavalier as it may appear. Here are some of the terms that I found especially useful when discussing the idea of time, and its passage as well:
Increment, incremental, interval, elapsing, elapsation, span, tick or tock, but not tick-tock, moment, event, slice, piece, bit, now, but not present, past, but not future, velocity, motion, motionlessness, absolute rest, period, section, and unit -- to name but a few.
I doubt many people will read through all these, especially the longer essays found in NOUMENOMICON, but for the few brave souls who do, you have both my thanks and my condolences. I trust you found some of it interesting. After all, it's not rocket science. Or I guess some of it is, in a way. Oh, and please use any of the contact forms if for some bizarre, unfathomable reason you might wish to make a comment of your own.
One of the largest stumbling blocks that impedes virtually any discussion of time, as if it was something tangible, is the inability of language to adequate describe our observations. In my essays on time, it is clear that I struggled with finding the right words to use, terms and phrases which might more accurately portray the nuances and elusive characteristics of something that permeates every aspect of our existence. Of existence itself. One of the interesting little revelations I discovered is that words do make a difference and using certain descriptions, while still a flawed process, led me to think of time in ways I'd not previously considered. While this is always true for any speculative, non-fiction article or essay -- a kind of endless editing process -- it is particularly relevant to the subject of time. More precisely time-space; two little words that we can separate grammatically, but never cosmologically.
Even before I discovered the Planck lengths and units of measurement, I had already been imagining indivisible spaces -- I simply called them points -- whereby two or more "things" would physically touch one another if moved any closer. "Touching" in this case refers to either the molecular or sub-atomic levels that might define or separate one complete thing from another. Planck units describe the same situation in terms of two or more things occupying the same space if positioned any nearer to one another. It's interesting that Planck units do not overtly imagine anything as actually touching, but rather in their not occupying the same space. It's as if at this ultra level of minus-magnitude, there's nothing to touch, per se. Even more interesting, perhaps, is the application of this same principle (and definition) to what are known as Planck units of time -- as opposed to a span of distance, no matter how small. Planck-time purports to answer the question: How tiny is the smallest span of time?
As it turns out, English gives us a wealth of words that can be used to describe the concept of time. Not so much time itself, but the steady, progressive passage of it. Referring to the flow of time, while poetic, doesn't tell us much about what it is that's actually flowing. Water flows, but that tells us nothing about water itself, other than it's a liquid. So if time flows, what does that really mean? How do we even begin to describe such a thing? A good start is in choosing words that more aptly define the meager trail of evidence left in time's wake as it passes from present to past. I no longer include future as any meaningful part of the discussion; in a universe where our sun could explode at any moment, the concept of future seems pitifully exuberant, if not arrogant. For practical reasons, I still use the term, but begrudgingly.
Thus when I use certain other terms, some of them original and invented by me, it is for the sole purpose of trying to grab a handful of smoke or fog. Such is the ethereal, almost mystical nature of time. One word in particular that I like (my own word, of course) is elapse -- meaning: to become later by the passage of a given amount of time. It's my word because I apply it to time in the form of elapsing or elapsation -- meaning: to become later via the passage of a single Planck unit of time, or via the smallest increment of time we can imagine. Any smaller and no difference would theoretically exist among future, present, and past. Note the similarity to a Planck length whereby any less of a gap or space between two things would result in an undifferentiated combination of the two. All of this an absolute indication of interconnectedness -- in this case between time and actual, physical distance.
Although much of this is examined in more detail and from a variety of perspectives in the essays found both here and in NOUMENOMICON, I wanted readers to be prepared for the seemingly haphazard tossing-out of any number of words and terms that are used to describe my views of time and space. And to understand that my approach is not as random or cavalier as it may appear. Here are some of the terms that I found especially useful when discussing the idea of time, and its passage as well:
Increment, incremental, interval, elapsing, elapsation, span, tick or tock, but not tick-tock, moment, event, slice, piece, bit, now, but not present, past, but not future, velocity, motion, motionlessness, absolute rest, period, section, and unit -- to name but a few.
I doubt many people will read through all these, especially the longer essays found in NOUMENOMICON, but for the few brave souls who do, you have both my thanks and my condolences. I trust you found some of it interesting. After all, it's not rocket science. Or I guess some of it is, in a way. Oh, and please use any of the contact forms if for some bizarre, unfathomable reason you might wish to make a comment of your own.
I.
ORIGINS
Space is more aptly defined by what is not in it, rather than the wide assortment of things that are. A gas disperses evenly within a closed area until it uniformly fills the openness that confines it. In similar fashion, matter seems manifestly intent to occupy the full extent of whatever spatial enclosure would prevent its boundless expansion. The new theories about the existence of Dark matter and Dark energy demonstrate how little we actually know and how much more there is to learn.
The logical mind imagines the never-ending straight line. And in so doing, confronts the incomprehensible aspects of infinity. Or the equally incomprehensible idea that multi-dimensional space/time is ultimately curved back on itself. But as a question, might not linear projections, both theoretical and real, unhampered by gravity and other forces, travel tangential paths that take them forever farther from their points of origin?
Regions of truly empty space are still occupied by an immaterial presence of potentially viable physical forces such as time, gravity, inertia, heat, and especially cold temperatures. How cold is absolute space? How is the temperature of matter, in space, affected by its motion through it? And, of course, as previously mentioned, those two new darlings of astrophysics: Dark energy and Dark matter.
The existence of matter in any location exerts an influence on all other regions. Unlike our more traditional notions of magnetism, gravity is instead a distortion of the area that surrounds something with mass. With respect to evolution, both organic and geologic in nature, slow changes over long periods of time are part of a process called Uniformitarianism. The occurrence of sudden changes, over brief intervals, is termed Catastrophism. Evolutionary jumps are the result of interruptions of Uniformitarianism by Catastrophism. The otherwise coherent whole that changes due to fluctuations or deviations from Uniformitarianism. Results occur that are unexpected and interesting during such interferences. The accompanying process is called Punctuated Equilibrium, which is the idea of evolutionary strides based on random, catastrophic (cataclysmic) events. I discuss this more in the essay entitled Punctuated Equilibrium. Which doesn't refer, by the way, to the proper grammatical use of the word, equilibrium.
The logical mind imagines the never-ending straight line. And in so doing, confronts the incomprehensible aspects of infinity. Or the equally incomprehensible idea that multi-dimensional space/time is ultimately curved back on itself. But as a question, might not linear projections, both theoretical and real, unhampered by gravity and other forces, travel tangential paths that take them forever farther from their points of origin?
Regions of truly empty space are still occupied by an immaterial presence of potentially viable physical forces such as time, gravity, inertia, heat, and especially cold temperatures. How cold is absolute space? How is the temperature of matter, in space, affected by its motion through it? And, of course, as previously mentioned, those two new darlings of astrophysics: Dark energy and Dark matter.
The existence of matter in any location exerts an influence on all other regions. Unlike our more traditional notions of magnetism, gravity is instead a distortion of the area that surrounds something with mass. With respect to evolution, both organic and geologic in nature, slow changes over long periods of time are part of a process called Uniformitarianism. The occurrence of sudden changes, over brief intervals, is termed Catastrophism. Evolutionary jumps are the result of interruptions of Uniformitarianism by Catastrophism. The otherwise coherent whole that changes due to fluctuations or deviations from Uniformitarianism. Results occur that are unexpected and interesting during such interferences. The accompanying process is called Punctuated Equilibrium, which is the idea of evolutionary strides based on random, catastrophic (cataclysmic) events. I discuss this more in the essay entitled Punctuated Equilibrium. Which doesn't refer, by the way, to the proper grammatical use of the word, equilibrium.
Fig. 2. Both Earth and Sun are in the center of the universe.
II.
PTOLEMY Revisited
An arbitrary point surrounded by infinite space is (approximately) located in the exact center of all that is.
The known, material universe is (approximately) located in the exact center of an infinitely large, immaterial expanse.
No such things as here and there exist.
Synonymous, redundant terms which involve inseparable things that are linguistically differentiated.
Space and time, a forced usage inspired by the inadequacy of language.
Concepts of Relativity, the laws governing the largest of things and the smallest (quanta).
Intellectual assessments of both existence and the meaning of life that remain paramount and sacrosanct.
The known, material universe is (approximately) located in the exact center of an infinitely large, immaterial expanse.
No such things as here and there exist.
Synonymous, redundant terms which involve inseparable things that are linguistically differentiated.
Space and time, a forced usage inspired by the inadequacy of language.
Concepts of Relativity, the laws governing the largest of things and the smallest (quanta).
Intellectual assessments of both existence and the meaning of life that remain paramount and sacrosanct.
Fig. 3. The Milky Way as seen from space. (not a real photo)
III.
TRAVELS in TIME
The universality of a rotating disk.
A model upon which all things revolve.
Forces of Creation and Destruction.
Creating destruction. Destroying Creation.
Though many different types of galaxies exist, of all shapes and sizes, the flattened spiral form serves as a good example in illustrating some peculiar properties associated with dynamic rotation.
Though seemingly very technical in nature, even dull and unimportant, the principles involved can strike with the same impact as the most exciting science fiction. It is a mystery story of the highest caliber, an epic adventure that spans vast distances and blazes with the fires burning from trillions of suns.
Most (if not all) galaxies, regardless of structure, possess at least three common attributes:
01. Each rotates on an axis.
02. As a whole, each is in motion, traveling through space with a directional velocity.
03. Each, in concert with one or more others, revolves around one or more remote, gravitational hubs.
All three simultaneous motions collectively and cumulatively constitute what might be designated as a galaxy’s singular trajectory through open space.
It is interesting that galaxies are macro-size versions of star and planetary systems. Just as planets rotate on an axis, move through space, and revolve about a central sun, galactic systems operate in similar fashion as they spin and revolve about centralized, gravitational midpoints. An important distinction, however, must be made as to the limits of such a comparison. Stars and their families of planets are relatively static systems that, by comparison, behave much like solid, fixed structures. Planets and other bodies tend to remain in established orbits, with little change over long periods of time. Galaxies, by contrast, behave more like fluids, undergoing and manifesting many changes over very long periods of time.
With regard to the aforementioned spiral galaxy type in question, its physical composition appears initially as that of a simple, solid platter. A disk-shaped structure with a rounded bulge at its center. Both the platter and galaxy spin and, instead of musical tracks or motion picture frames, the galaxy boasts rings of stars that, in the form of stretched-out arms, sweep about its hub. But beyond the obvious, other immense differences exist between the two. While a phonograph record or digital disc rotates as a static whole, a galaxy spins like a whirlpool, or a tornado minus its elongated funnel cloud.
Just as continents float atop the semi-liquid molten surface of the earth, a process called Plate Tectonics, galactic components move about in a form of what might be called Platter Tectonics. This refers to a condition whereby the central or inner regions of either whirlpools or galaxies, rotate at much different rates than the middle areas which, in turn, move differently from outer regions.
As water circles an open drain and describes a whirlpool effect, it rotates most rapidly near the drain opening itself. Current theory suggests that a massive Black Hole sits in the center of most if not all galaxies, and is largely responsible for much of the gravitational dynamics that characterize galactic phenomena. But what, one asks, does any of this have to do with the hectic lives of human beings as they go about their business day-to-day?
The answer again involves that deceptively simple thing we call “time”. Everyone in one way or another, cares about the time of day, the time required to accomplish a task, the time since their birth, the time of approaching death. Time permeates every aspect of human life, controls it, influences our every thought and action. Yet no one really understands what it is. No one actually knows how it works. And certainly no one, to date, has ever explained why it operates in the familiar manner to which all time-keepers have grown so accustom.
While only humans measure the flow of time via mechanical clocks and other instruments, the lives of plants and animals, also, are obviously governed and influenced by various effects (affectations) of biological clocks. People included.
But what do galaxies have to do with human concepts of time? Why is it important? To answer the second question first, the entire business is probably irrelevant to most people. But it is supremely interesting, however, to anyone who has ever wondered about the actual nature of real time. The ancient enigma has something to do with what is happening in the universe, on a day-to-day basis. It has something to do with who we are, why we are, and what we are.
Time is a local phenomenon. Similar to a liquid, time is an occurrence whose rate-of-flow -- the interval between one moment and the next -- is individually unique to one’s specific location and motion relative to the galactic, if not cosmological whole. Within the Milky Way galaxy, home to humankind, time does not -- along a horizontal, ecliptic plane -- operate in the same way everywhere. From a galaxy's innermost central point to its most distant edge, the forces that govern and regulate time do not themselves deviate, but rather the speed at which time itself elapses is as flexible and fluid as the galactic gas clouds (or other matter) which fill the spaces between the stars.
Depending on where something is situated as part of a galaxy, it possesses a specific and predictable velocity while moving through open space. Within this highly localized region, all matter is affected by, and bound to, the limitations associated with rates of motion.
It is important to realize that, confluent with miscellaneous and undetermined Quantum Mechanical elements, sub-atomic particles are somehow also affected. But in ways that are well beyond the scope and purpose of this essay.
To continue, the faster something travels, the slower the rate at which time flows everywhere about it, in it, around it. Unknown and unspecified is the distance from such an object, how far out might an area extend, wherein the flow of time remains the same, and beyond which an increase or decrease is detectable or significant. The slower a body’s designated speed, the faster the progression of time within its particular zone. In either case, speed and location also determine the rate at which time elapses. But where is the proof for such seemingly outlandish assertions?
Albert Einstein was probably the first to suggest that greatly increased rates of velocity produce a slowing of time. Clocks placed in orbit, traveling at 18,000 miles per hour (or more) run (tick) slower than their Earthbound counterparts. Though nearly imperceptible, astronauts age more slowly than their fellows back on Earth. However, if something is somehow slowed from its normal, previous speed through space, and if the deceleration is sufficient enough, time should speed up; it should tick-by at a faster rate. Astronauts in this scenario would age more rapidly than those who remain on solid ground.
When an object or body travels faster, it duplicates or emulates some or many of the speeds of motion (already in progress) at or near the swift-moving inner areas of galaxies. Earth’s own (slower) pace is set and fixed by its position in an outer portion (arm) of the Milky Way. This is our local neighborhood, and a place where time moves at its more familiar rate.
Farther from the galactic hub than ourselves, some other localized regions should exist as areas where time elapses more rapidly compared to Earth. This happens -- as suggested prior -- because these outer locations, or galactic time-zones, are revolving with a much slower velocity as they move through space. The differences involved may, in fact, be only slight. It would be interesting to query an astrophysicist as to how great -- or small -- such differences truly are.
As yet unanswerable, therefore, is the degree to which shifts-in-time take place, as compared to shifts-in-location. Discrepancies may be only matters of nano or micro-seconds, minutes, hours or days in magnitude, maybe more. Easily confused as a set of interdependent factors, a notable emphasis is again repeated which draws attention specifically to the differences between changes in speed, and alterations in the incremental flow-rate of time.
It is perhaps less a concern of how advanced is the design of a spaceship, and more importantly its destination -- with a predictable/calculable time of arrival.
Though seemingly very technical in nature, even dull and unimportant, the principles involved can strike with the same impact as the most exciting science fiction. It is a mystery story of the highest caliber, an epic adventure that spans vast distances and blazes with the fires burning from trillions of suns.
Most (if not all) galaxies, regardless of structure, possess at least three common attributes:
01. Each rotates on an axis.
02. As a whole, each is in motion, traveling through space with a directional velocity.
03. Each, in concert with one or more others, revolves around one or more remote, gravitational hubs.
All three simultaneous motions collectively and cumulatively constitute what might be designated as a galaxy’s singular trajectory through open space.
It is interesting that galaxies are macro-size versions of star and planetary systems. Just as planets rotate on an axis, move through space, and revolve about a central sun, galactic systems operate in similar fashion as they spin and revolve about centralized, gravitational midpoints. An important distinction, however, must be made as to the limits of such a comparison. Stars and their families of planets are relatively static systems that, by comparison, behave much like solid, fixed structures. Planets and other bodies tend to remain in established orbits, with little change over long periods of time. Galaxies, by contrast, behave more like fluids, undergoing and manifesting many changes over very long periods of time.
With regard to the aforementioned spiral galaxy type in question, its physical composition appears initially as that of a simple, solid platter. A disk-shaped structure with a rounded bulge at its center. Both the platter and galaxy spin and, instead of musical tracks or motion picture frames, the galaxy boasts rings of stars that, in the form of stretched-out arms, sweep about its hub. But beyond the obvious, other immense differences exist between the two. While a phonograph record or digital disc rotates as a static whole, a galaxy spins like a whirlpool, or a tornado minus its elongated funnel cloud.
Just as continents float atop the semi-liquid molten surface of the earth, a process called Plate Tectonics, galactic components move about in a form of what might be called Platter Tectonics. This refers to a condition whereby the central or inner regions of either whirlpools or galaxies, rotate at much different rates than the middle areas which, in turn, move differently from outer regions.
As water circles an open drain and describes a whirlpool effect, it rotates most rapidly near the drain opening itself. Current theory suggests that a massive Black Hole sits in the center of most if not all galaxies, and is largely responsible for much of the gravitational dynamics that characterize galactic phenomena. But what, one asks, does any of this have to do with the hectic lives of human beings as they go about their business day-to-day?
The answer again involves that deceptively simple thing we call “time”. Everyone in one way or another, cares about the time of day, the time required to accomplish a task, the time since their birth, the time of approaching death. Time permeates every aspect of human life, controls it, influences our every thought and action. Yet no one really understands what it is. No one actually knows how it works. And certainly no one, to date, has ever explained why it operates in the familiar manner to which all time-keepers have grown so accustom.
While only humans measure the flow of time via mechanical clocks and other instruments, the lives of plants and animals, also, are obviously governed and influenced by various effects (affectations) of biological clocks. People included.
But what do galaxies have to do with human concepts of time? Why is it important? To answer the second question first, the entire business is probably irrelevant to most people. But it is supremely interesting, however, to anyone who has ever wondered about the actual nature of real time. The ancient enigma has something to do with what is happening in the universe, on a day-to-day basis. It has something to do with who we are, why we are, and what we are.
Time is a local phenomenon. Similar to a liquid, time is an occurrence whose rate-of-flow -- the interval between one moment and the next -- is individually unique to one’s specific location and motion relative to the galactic, if not cosmological whole. Within the Milky Way galaxy, home to humankind, time does not -- along a horizontal, ecliptic plane -- operate in the same way everywhere. From a galaxy's innermost central point to its most distant edge, the forces that govern and regulate time do not themselves deviate, but rather the speed at which time itself elapses is as flexible and fluid as the galactic gas clouds (or other matter) which fill the spaces between the stars.
Depending on where something is situated as part of a galaxy, it possesses a specific and predictable velocity while moving through open space. Within this highly localized region, all matter is affected by, and bound to, the limitations associated with rates of motion.
It is important to realize that, confluent with miscellaneous and undetermined Quantum Mechanical elements, sub-atomic particles are somehow also affected. But in ways that are well beyond the scope and purpose of this essay.
To continue, the faster something travels, the slower the rate at which time flows everywhere about it, in it, around it. Unknown and unspecified is the distance from such an object, how far out might an area extend, wherein the flow of time remains the same, and beyond which an increase or decrease is detectable or significant. The slower a body’s designated speed, the faster the progression of time within its particular zone. In either case, speed and location also determine the rate at which time elapses. But where is the proof for such seemingly outlandish assertions?
Albert Einstein was probably the first to suggest that greatly increased rates of velocity produce a slowing of time. Clocks placed in orbit, traveling at 18,000 miles per hour (or more) run (tick) slower than their Earthbound counterparts. Though nearly imperceptible, astronauts age more slowly than their fellows back on Earth. However, if something is somehow slowed from its normal, previous speed through space, and if the deceleration is sufficient enough, time should speed up; it should tick-by at a faster rate. Astronauts in this scenario would age more rapidly than those who remain on solid ground.
When an object or body travels faster, it duplicates or emulates some or many of the speeds of motion (already in progress) at or near the swift-moving inner areas of galaxies. Earth’s own (slower) pace is set and fixed by its position in an outer portion (arm) of the Milky Way. This is our local neighborhood, and a place where time moves at its more familiar rate.
Farther from the galactic hub than ourselves, some other localized regions should exist as areas where time elapses more rapidly compared to Earth. This happens -- as suggested prior -- because these outer locations, or galactic time-zones, are revolving with a much slower velocity as they move through space. The differences involved may, in fact, be only slight. It would be interesting to query an astrophysicist as to how great -- or small -- such differences truly are.
As yet unanswerable, therefore, is the degree to which shifts-in-time take place, as compared to shifts-in-location. Discrepancies may be only matters of nano or micro-seconds, minutes, hours or days in magnitude, maybe more. Easily confused as a set of interdependent factors, a notable emphasis is again repeated which draws attention specifically to the differences between changes in speed, and alterations in the incremental flow-rate of time.
It is perhaps less a concern of how advanced is the design of a spaceship, and more importantly its destination -- with a predictable/calculable time of arrival.
Fig. 4. "Hello? Hello?! Hel...lohhh?! Hello?"
IV.
Why We Keep Ringing the Phone and Leaving Messages,
But E.T. Doesn't Return Our Calls.
A step-by-step analysis of the possibilities that extraterrestrial life forms
are actively engaged in sending and receiving interstellar communications.
01. Billions of Galaxies are composed of billions of stars and, among other things, billions of planets, of all sizes and descriptions.
02. Planets are usually part of a system of such objects revolving about one or more stars. Planemos (unassociated planets) require their own essay.
03. Using the Solar System of Earth as an example, but not necessarily as the model, planetary arrangements are expected to be located in predictable, mathematical orbits at various distances from their suns.
Primary Requirements.
04. Orbits of one or more planets need to be located in the so-called “golden zone” (Goldilocks zone) within which water exists in three separate states: solid, liquid, and gas. In the form of a warm or hot liquid may be the ideal. An apparent and probable necessity for life to evolve.
05. A process of elimination in which the total number of preexisting planets is systematically reduced to only those likely or capable of harboring life, especially as we understand it. An imagined and estimable number of remaining planets upon which life has already, is now, or will eventually evolve. This number is hereafter referred to as the Total of Remaining Planets (TORP).
A Diminishing List Of Candidates.
06. The TORP capable of harboring life under any circumstances.
07. The TORP that reside in orbital golden zones. Minus all planets in deleterious orbits where the ingredients for life are incomplete or nonexistent.
08. The TORP on which life has actually been sparked or evolved to some degree. Minus a predictable but unknown number either destroyed outright or where life forms are completely halted by catastrophic extinction-level-events (ELEs).
09. The TORP where life has succeeded and survived, but of relatively recent origin. Where life is still young, primitive and, by comparison to present-day Earth, still evolving at an unpredictable rate.
10. The TORP where environmental changes outpace the ability of Darwinian Natural Selection to progress beyond a specific point or certain stage of development. An arrested level restrained on a consistent basis.
11. The TORP where extinction events have altered the course of evolution in such ways as to prevent high levels of sophistication or intelligence to prosper.
12. The TORP where extinction events have altered the course of evolution in such ways as to favor high degrees of sophistication or intelligence. Where descendant and ascendant species grow separated by both physical size and brain power.
Taking The First Steps.
13. The TORP where high-level species develop intelligence and agility alongside more dominant, less endowed forms. Conditions that favor intelligence, adaptability and survivability accordingly.
14. The TORP where brute force is inevitably coupled with minimal intelligence and reigns as the dominant life form(s). Where lesser creatures learn to accommodate the brutes that surround them.
15. The TORP where giants go extinct and make room for other, smaller creatures. The emergence of dexterity joined with cunning intelligence.
16. The TORP where physical structure (anatomy) allows for increased mobility, agility, fertility, survival. A habitat that, due to a need for enhanced faculties which provide margins of safety, selects for and stimulates such factors at the genetic, mutational level. An important milestone prior to big brains.
Hump Days / Part 1.
17. The TORP where one or more extinction events do not temporarily or permanently obliterate the previous levels of progress.
18. The TORP where an enhanced state of survival is favored by fortuitous changes in brain structure. Continued demands of a habitat such that importance is focused on those features which have unintended consequences. The advent of rudimentary language systems. Minus the TORP where language (communication) systems, for whatever reasons, fail to develop.
19. The TORP where species with language and other communication skills (senses) enjoy survival characteristics equal or superior to all other life forms.
One Small Step For A . . .
A Giant Leap For . . .
20. The TORP where language leads, through subsequent generations, to tribalism and the use of tools, both of which are an extension of shared memory. A recognition of events passed on, with improvements added. The mimicking of animals via admiration and respect. Ritualized worship via religion and philosophy.
21. The TORP where big brains gain, for whatever reasons, survival advantages superior to small brains. Big implies a better capacity to learn new ideas, skills, improved language systems. Environmental conditions that are receptive to such abilities. Once initiated, in a gene pool, a geometrically expanding process.
Hump Days / Part 2.
22. The TORP where extinction events (natural/geologicial, plus random/cosmological) do not eliminate the most promising species. A time when pre-proto-humans (the potential for humanlike qualities) possess adaptation skills, multiple abilities, language.
23. The TORP where proto-humans (pseudo-humans) do not go extinct on their own, or from over-predation by other species.
24. The TORP where less intelligent, but more powerful and competitive life forms do not eliminate their smarter cousins.
The Missing Link.
25. The TORP where an ascent of self awareness and mind continues to evolve. The sentient being is born. Slow versus rapid changes in brain structures that switch-on an inventive, inquisitive, memory-dependent, time-binding, thinking/speaking/expressive individual consciousnesses. Where monkey-like entities remain genetically stable while others continue to undergo changes that refine both body and brain. The search for meaningful truths, self identity, the meaning of existence. The further promulgation of language and technologies.
26. The TORP where the “good guys” win the struggle for dominance and proceed to invent civilization. Where chaos and religious anarchy are overcome. Where reigns of evil are temporary, and “dark ages” are eventually left behind in favor of “ages of continued enlightenment”. An assumption that such struggles are similar for all cognizant, technology-dependent beings.
27. The TORP where technology is valued, encouraged, and where social economics favor wisdom, education, science, the search for truth, and religious tolerance. An assumption that such attributes, though unique to each species of extraterrestrial, are always associated with continued progress.
Hump Days / Part 3.
28. The TORP where extinction events or global catastrophes do not interrupt an ongoing process of advancement.
29. The TORP where atoms are discovered, atomic weapons invented, and self-destructive wars do not result in quasi-extinction events.
30. The TORP where biological weapons do not result in annihilation. Where natural biological occurrences do not result in irreversible plagues. Where other unknown factors do not result in self-destruction or a halt to progressive (and positive) social momentums.
The Phone Is Dialed Out.
31. The TORP where radio technology is invented and used in a time frame consistent with our own. Where it is directed outward as part of an ongoing investigation into the theoretical existence of mutually evolved, extraterrestrial life forms. Minus the TORP where radio technology is either never used as part of a search for extraterrestrial intelligence, or never developed.
Hump Days / Part 4
32. The TORP where the technology exists to prevent a foreseeable extinction event. Minus the TORP where the event was not predictable and resulted in total or temporary annihilation.
33. The TORP where self-destruction is avoided despite forms of advanced technology concurrent with Earth’s present age of discovery and invention. Such dangers likely include microorganisms, gasses, drugs, radioactivity, and unknown others.
Will That Be Cash Or Charge?
34.The TORP where sent radio signals have spanned the distances between worlds. Where our signals have reached them. Because of the vast distances involved, where many if not most time frames do not allow for mutual responses.
35.The galactic internet.
Summary Of Assumptions.
The foregoing numerical list may seem, at first, silly or confusing. Largely oversimplified, the intent is to delineate the complex, at times totally random sequence of circumstances that must transpire such that certain and specific types of entities evolve sufficiently for purposes of interstellar communication. It is not important whether the list enumerates items correctly or in their correct order, nor does it matter if some are redundant or unnecessary altogether. What is vital is that the evolutionary path to communicative beings is not a path at all, but rather -- by analogy -- similar to a pinball that, bounced about by any number of flippers, more often than not, succumbs to “game-over” tilts.
01. That the laws of physics apply in the same way, to all things, pretty much everywhere. Minus Black Hole considerations.
02. That most if not all life evolves everywhere in a similar fashion. That it is shaped and directed by events both random and predictable. That predator and prey relationships are the norm. That carnivores and herbivores are natural enemies. That agile, monkey-like beings, while different in almost all other respects, represent a universal model for all sentient life that is technology based.
03. That ever increasing intelligence leads to control and understanding of emotions, leads to language, leads to self-awareness, leads to technology. Not a process of certainty or direct cause and effect.
04. That all beings must cope with, contend against, struggle through, and survive the residual “beast within”. Brain structures and thought patterns that are a leftover consequence of evolution. Emotions as both assets and liabilities.
05. That the chances are long and remote that evolving life forms on different worlds, though similar in function, would develop anatomical characteristics and features identical or very similar to human. The strong unlikelihood that such organs or limbs would be used in like fashion. The dexterous, tree-dwelling monkey versus a brutish, rock-dwelling climber/jumper.
06. That evolution could be envisioned as an endless maze with one entrance (life) that leads to many physical and mental dead-ends, with few successful arrival points. Special intelligence requires the propitious intervention of special accidents. Or as the late, great Carl Sagan might have said, "Extraordinary intelligence requires extraordinary circumstances -- many of which will be entirely random and via pure happenstance." Coincidental events that redirect the courses already set in motion, or eliminate obstacles which previously prevented alternate courses.
07. That trees are symbolic structures which allow weaker creatures to escape from bigger, stronger predators. Life in trees leads to dexterity, agility, and visual acuity. The delicate grace of the human hand, plus an athletic body, is probably crucial for advanced beings. The upright ape. Graceful non-ape bodies with ape brains. Complex lives favor (select for) more intelligent brains. Dangerous vocations (navigation of trees, avoidance of predators) favor more athletic bodies, keen senses, sharper wits.
08. Development of technology requires the skillful, articulate manipulation of objects found among the natural environment.
09. Morality and ethical behaviors create order from chaos, are always in the long-term best interests of both the individual and society. Once established, are easily and always abused and corrupted.
10. That only a single and superior, self-aware intelligence (sentience) will prevail on any given world. A top predator who will always tend to subjugate and subordinate all others, for its own benefit.
11. That all advanced civilizations can trace commensurate roots to similar travails of pain and suffering. A common goal to eliminate such, but at what price?
12. Loss of personal, private freedoms result from increased governmental, Orwellian rule. The sacrifice of liberty for increased security.
13. Harsh, even cruel, extraterrestrial societies, by today’s standards, with minimal liberties, maximum subjugation, will always face the threats of human-like, inborn sensibilities. Certain, axiomatic realizations spawn epiphanies that cause people to revolt against tyranny and repression. Ancient peoples knew slavery was wrong. Unless oppressive technologies successfully circumvent such, no evil regime can succeed or survive indefinitely. Ultimately the good should always win out and reign victorious -- at least temporarily. The perpetual, roller-coaster pattern of intellectual prowess at odds with emotional immaturity.
14. Intergalactic, interplanetary wars are possible, but probably limited by an advanced MAD doctrine (Mutual Assured Destruction). Unless no one else is out and about, or so few as to make competition or conflict meaningless.
15. Though at a much slower pace than hard technology, that knowledge, philosophy, religion and wisdom will continue to progress and be available to any and all who are interested in same.
16. That religion and the arts, like mathematics, are likely universal constants among all advanced alien civilizations. The inner self, the soul that aches for total knowledge, that yearns to return home. To rejoin with the primordial womb from which were born all things.
17. That religion may not be an unvarying constant, where some, more pragmatic system substitutes for principles founded on faith alone. A more experiential, empirical design. A recognition, even worship of the little understood forces at work, but always perceived as more powerful than the observer. The worshiping of the sun, by example. Where the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamen, was indeed ahead of his time.
"Study: No Evidence of Advanced Alien Life in Nearby Galaxies."
September, 2015 / Story by Walt Bonner / FoxNews.com
While a sequel to the 1990s alien invasion flick “Independence Day” is in the works, moviegoers shouldn’t worry about fact following fiction anytime soon. This is according to a new report by the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, which determined that there are no signs of advanced alien life in 93 of our neighboring galaxies.
Using an earlier Penn State study led by Jason Wright, professor and report author Michael Garrett (ASTRON, University of Leiden) poured through data compiled from 100,000 galaxies with unusually extreme mid-infrared (MIR) emission detected by NASA’s Widefield Infrared Survey Explorer satellite. From there, he chose the best candidates for hosting advanced alien life based on the amounts of MIR and radiowave emissions.
The general belief among experts is that advanced type-three civilizations on the Kardashev scale (a system invented by Russian astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev based on energy disposal levels) have extremely high–energy needs. In other words, the more a civilization advances, the more its energy requirements grow, what with its large population and machinery. The energy being emitted from these civilizations should then be detectable via infrared satellites.
Garrett determined that the MIR/heat emission was caused by space dust brought about by star formation rather than aliens.
“There is a nice correlation between the strength of MIR emission versus radio emission for galaxies,” Garrett told Foxnews.com. “It’s grounded by the fact that when you form stars in a galaxy, you get a lot of MIR emission from dust and a lot of radio from charged particles - the two things always go together. But if the MIR is being produced not by star formation but by waste heat from an advanced civilization, then we don't expect to see much radio emission.”
He concluded that almost all of the very best candidate galaxies listed by the Penn State team followed the natural MIR/radio correlation, thus the MIR emission was being produced by standard astrophysical processes seen in normal galaxies instead of extraterrestrials.
Still, alien hunters might not have to give up hope just yet. Garrett noted that there are still a few interesting galaxies out of the 100,000 sampled that don’t seem to produce as much radio emission, though he suspects it’s very likely that closer observation will show natural astrophysical explanations. That being said, he’s still planning on investigating them, as well as galaxies beyond those in our immediate neighborhood.
So what would be the next step if an alien civilization happened to be detected?
“If we thought we had evidence for that, we would train the best telescopes in the world on that source,” Garrett explained. “For example, we could do a conventional SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) search with radio telescopes looking for artificial signals associated with their own communication system — if they are advanced, these signals might be quite strong. It’s very easy to tell the difference between artificial radio emission and natural background emission.”
In an earlier statement, Garrett said he found the prospect that advanced extraterrestrial life didn’t exist “worrying.” A few months ago, famed physicist Stephen Hawking said that advanced aliens would likely conquer and colonize whatever planets they reached, including our own. Despite the dangers, he too championed the search for intelligent extraterrestrials.
“Maybe we only exist because they don't! “ Garrett said. “The worrying aspect is the scientific perspective — it's hard to believe that life is not fairly widespread within our own galaxy and others — so if civilizations like our own live long enough, there is nothing in physics to stop them becoming very advanced and making use of a lot of energy. But then we should see signatures of such civilizations in astronomical data, and we don't. There are many possible explanations one can think of (all civilizations are short–lived and die out after using up the resources of their own planet) or on the other extreme we are really alone, which I can't believe.”
He also noted that while we have the technology to understand the universe we live in and produce the latest mobile phone, it’s not much use in explaining the “great silence” that we see.
“It’s a real puzzle,” he said.
The report can be found in the September 15th edition of the Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Using an earlier Penn State study led by Jason Wright, professor and report author Michael Garrett (ASTRON, University of Leiden) poured through data compiled from 100,000 galaxies with unusually extreme mid-infrared (MIR) emission detected by NASA’s Widefield Infrared Survey Explorer satellite. From there, he chose the best candidates for hosting advanced alien life based on the amounts of MIR and radiowave emissions.
The general belief among experts is that advanced type-three civilizations on the Kardashev scale (a system invented by Russian astrophysicist Nikolai Kardashev based on energy disposal levels) have extremely high–energy needs. In other words, the more a civilization advances, the more its energy requirements grow, what with its large population and machinery. The energy being emitted from these civilizations should then be detectable via infrared satellites.
Garrett determined that the MIR/heat emission was caused by space dust brought about by star formation rather than aliens.
“There is a nice correlation between the strength of MIR emission versus radio emission for galaxies,” Garrett told Foxnews.com. “It’s grounded by the fact that when you form stars in a galaxy, you get a lot of MIR emission from dust and a lot of radio from charged particles - the two things always go together. But if the MIR is being produced not by star formation but by waste heat from an advanced civilization, then we don't expect to see much radio emission.”
He concluded that almost all of the very best candidate galaxies listed by the Penn State team followed the natural MIR/radio correlation, thus the MIR emission was being produced by standard astrophysical processes seen in normal galaxies instead of extraterrestrials.
Still, alien hunters might not have to give up hope just yet. Garrett noted that there are still a few interesting galaxies out of the 100,000 sampled that don’t seem to produce as much radio emission, though he suspects it’s very likely that closer observation will show natural astrophysical explanations. That being said, he’s still planning on investigating them, as well as galaxies beyond those in our immediate neighborhood.
So what would be the next step if an alien civilization happened to be detected?
“If we thought we had evidence for that, we would train the best telescopes in the world on that source,” Garrett explained. “For example, we could do a conventional SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) search with radio telescopes looking for artificial signals associated with their own communication system — if they are advanced, these signals might be quite strong. It’s very easy to tell the difference between artificial radio emission and natural background emission.”
In an earlier statement, Garrett said he found the prospect that advanced extraterrestrial life didn’t exist “worrying.” A few months ago, famed physicist Stephen Hawking said that advanced aliens would likely conquer and colonize whatever planets they reached, including our own. Despite the dangers, he too championed the search for intelligent extraterrestrials.
“Maybe we only exist because they don't! “ Garrett said. “The worrying aspect is the scientific perspective — it's hard to believe that life is not fairly widespread within our own galaxy and others — so if civilizations like our own live long enough, there is nothing in physics to stop them becoming very advanced and making use of a lot of energy. But then we should see signatures of such civilizations in astronomical data, and we don't. There are many possible explanations one can think of (all civilizations are short–lived and die out after using up the resources of their own planet) or on the other extreme we are really alone, which I can't believe.”
He also noted that while we have the technology to understand the universe we live in and produce the latest mobile phone, it’s not much use in explaining the “great silence” that we see.
“It’s a real puzzle,” he said.
The report can be found in the September 15th edition of the Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
V.
Index Ad Infinitum
Space, deep space, outer space, inner space, cosmic, cosmos, cosmological, universe, universal, stellar, interstellar, extraterrestrial, alien, astronomic, celestial, unearthly, other-worldly, planet, interplanetary, planetoid, planetesimal, planemo, stars, starry, galaxies, intergalactic, nebulae, moons, shepherd moons, satellites, asteroids, meteoroids, meteors, meteorites, nature, natural, God, gods, astral, astro, infinity, infinities, infinitum, solar flare, solar system, black holes, white holes, collapsars, dark matter, dark energy, quasars, pulsars, red giants, white, blue, brown dwarfs, parsecs, perihelion, aperihelion, light-years, radiation, irradiation, fusion, nova, supernova, comets, cometary tails, gravity, gravitational, orbits, nuclear, atomic, magnetic, electrical, strong and weak nuclear, craters, accretion, poles, suns, bodies, geosynchronous, velocity, orbital velocity, orbital decay, reentry, burn-up, trajectory, angle, atmospheres, vacuums, impact, rings, belts, clouds, storms, volcanism, rain, winds, gaseous, gasses, acids, molten, frozen, stark, bleak, barren, inhospitable, poisonous, quakes, lightning, thunder, pressure, atmosphere, atmospheric, turbulence, upheaval, flow, ice, ice caps, crystals, rock, liquid, light, luminous, dead, lifeless, sterile, fireball, bolide, explosion, vaporize, incinerate, flash, burst, dim, spin, rotate, revolve, tumble, streak, eclipse, shadow, terminator, twilight, dark side, cold, frigid, temperature, water, equatorial, sphere, axis, phase, apogee, perigee, atoms, molecules, chaos, fractals, quarks, photons, fuzzy logic, intuitive, subatomics, quanta, quantum, electrons, nucleus, nuclei, protons, neutrons, neutrinos...
VI.
ONLY a QUESTION of TIME
In every discussion I have ever seen or heard that discussed ideas based on Einstein's principles of General and Special Relativity, objects or bodies (both real and imaginary) are always accelerated beyond earthbound norms. The focus consistently remains on phenomena associated with propelling matter or particles at ever increased velocities, plus the related studies which demonstrate that time does indeed slow down accordingly.
I have always been more than a little curious as to why the question is seemingly never asked, "What happens to time if a body's intrinsic motion through space is slowed down, is decelerated from earthbound norms?" Would time not speed up accordingly, in a manner precisely opposite that of its slowing?
Such an apparatus, a different kind of machine, if you will, would seem less fraught with the struggles encountered when trying to accelerate things. Problems of different sorts emerge, of course, but were the notion itself feasible, a certain and elegant simplicity might accompany the venture. Namely that no one and no thing would need to travel anywhere, and far less of a violent propulsive force is required.
The whole concept to which I allude presumes that our motion through space is sufficiently speedy, that a purposely induced reduction -- a slowing -- could produce significant results. Presumption is also made that a state of "absolute rest" is the counter equivalent of the speed of light. As either is approached, Relativity effects become...interesting.
What transpires on the sub-atomic level as a body slows? What happens as an object begins a long descent towards reducing its intrinsic velocity, and doing so appreciably? A final assumption considers that our flow of time, the rate at which Earth clocks tick, both mechanical and biological, is directly related to the speed at which Earth is hurtling through space. That bodies moving faster than Earth possess clocks which run slower and conversely, bodies or planets with velocities significantly less than Earth's, travel with faster running clocks.
What if an object, on Earth, could be slowed independently of all surrounding objects? Could somehow be moved counter to the multiple motions that presently affect its normal state of being. Though a cumulative multiplicity of movements are involved, especially at the galactic level, it seems likely a singular motion through space results, and is responsible for a unique rate of time which is inextricable from the sub-atomic realm as well.
Slow things down enough, not only should clocks run faster, but would electrons not revolve about their nuclei more rapidly? Things would age more quickly, not more slowly. The half-lives of radioactive materials might fully elapse over mere moments of localized time.
Obviously it is easy to digress on this subject and apologies are offered for doing so, as well as trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about. However, unless some equally obvious reason exists -- some amount of information missed as to why slowing-things-down would serve a meaningless pursuit -- I remain politely obsessed with the topic and have no interest is discounting my ideas as scientifically naive.
The inquiries posed here have intrigued me for many years, and I have often enjoyed imagining the exotic contraptions that might be required to accomplish the feat in question, namely slowing stuff down. Certainly the software, in terms of calculating our actual speed through space could be ascertained, I should think. And not a relative speed, but a velocity compared only to a state of absolute rest or utter motionlessness. Nowhere in the universe, I suspect, does matter exist in such a stated condition of "zero velocity". It must likely be artificially induced via some form of hardware/software combination.
What marvels might be possible via running clocks ahead, individually and independently, selectively and incrementally? Alas my imagination has spoiled all sense of practicality, and the time has come to query the experts for a resolution to this particular madness. A quandary that, for me, has always been a "thought problem". Mainly because the math involved is its own conundrum.
In summation, I continue to believe an investigation into these matters, specifically the question of evaluating the contrary effects of acceleration, would contribute certain insights previously lacking with regard to the subject of time, its true nature, meaning, and relevance.
I have always been more than a little curious as to why the question is seemingly never asked, "What happens to time if a body's intrinsic motion through space is slowed down, is decelerated from earthbound norms?" Would time not speed up accordingly, in a manner precisely opposite that of its slowing?
Such an apparatus, a different kind of machine, if you will, would seem less fraught with the struggles encountered when trying to accelerate things. Problems of different sorts emerge, of course, but were the notion itself feasible, a certain and elegant simplicity might accompany the venture. Namely that no one and no thing would need to travel anywhere, and far less of a violent propulsive force is required.
The whole concept to which I allude presumes that our motion through space is sufficiently speedy, that a purposely induced reduction -- a slowing -- could produce significant results. Presumption is also made that a state of "absolute rest" is the counter equivalent of the speed of light. As either is approached, Relativity effects become...interesting.
What transpires on the sub-atomic level as a body slows? What happens as an object begins a long descent towards reducing its intrinsic velocity, and doing so appreciably? A final assumption considers that our flow of time, the rate at which Earth clocks tick, both mechanical and biological, is directly related to the speed at which Earth is hurtling through space. That bodies moving faster than Earth possess clocks which run slower and conversely, bodies or planets with velocities significantly less than Earth's, travel with faster running clocks.
What if an object, on Earth, could be slowed independently of all surrounding objects? Could somehow be moved counter to the multiple motions that presently affect its normal state of being. Though a cumulative multiplicity of movements are involved, especially at the galactic level, it seems likely a singular motion through space results, and is responsible for a unique rate of time which is inextricable from the sub-atomic realm as well.
Slow things down enough, not only should clocks run faster, but would electrons not revolve about their nuclei more rapidly? Things would age more quickly, not more slowly. The half-lives of radioactive materials might fully elapse over mere moments of localized time.
Obviously it is easy to digress on this subject and apologies are offered for doing so, as well as trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about. However, unless some equally obvious reason exists -- some amount of information missed as to why slowing-things-down would serve a meaningless pursuit -- I remain politely obsessed with the topic and have no interest is discounting my ideas as scientifically naive.
The inquiries posed here have intrigued me for many years, and I have often enjoyed imagining the exotic contraptions that might be required to accomplish the feat in question, namely slowing stuff down. Certainly the software, in terms of calculating our actual speed through space could be ascertained, I should think. And not a relative speed, but a velocity compared only to a state of absolute rest or utter motionlessness. Nowhere in the universe, I suspect, does matter exist in such a stated condition of "zero velocity". It must likely be artificially induced via some form of hardware/software combination.
What marvels might be possible via running clocks ahead, individually and independently, selectively and incrementally? Alas my imagination has spoiled all sense of practicality, and the time has come to query the experts for a resolution to this particular madness. A quandary that, for me, has always been a "thought problem". Mainly because the math involved is its own conundrum.
In summation, I continue to believe an investigation into these matters, specifically the question of evaluating the contrary effects of acceleration, would contribute certain insights previously lacking with regard to the subject of time, its true nature, meaning, and relevance.
Fig. 5. A moment is the interval between "tick" and "tock".
VII.
MOMENT by MOMENT
The Going Rate-of-Passage
On the off-chance the following ideas have not already been imagined and discarded as impractical, foolish, or both, the mysterious subject of time has intrigued numerous thinkers for many centuries and for many reasons. Since no one seems to know exactly (or even vaguely) what time truly is, then the matter appears somewhat open to speculation. Even by amateurs who like delving into such things.
Lest a false impression be given, your humble correspondent is neither well educated nor well read on the topics into which he proposes to have some degree of insight. By the same token, this dissertation is thus not overly influenced by the facts and theories with which he is so unfamiliar. In the proverbial sense, I don't know enough to be even slightly dangerous, but here's to hoping my brilliant powers of reasoning dazzle all who read them. Or at least provide a slight glimmer amid the darkness.
The chief reason one might dare venture into this particular territory, as an intellectual exercise -- a challenge even -- is due to a particular aspect that has remained consistently inviting. This is to say that many, if not most, of the basic tenets of Einstein’s theories on Relativity are not entirely mathematical in nature; they require only a logical, reasoned deduction (or induction) of how some circumstances possess both an interior and exterior experience or “view”. How an internal participant perceives reality, versus how an external observer witnesses that same reality. The subjective compared to the objective.
Everything becomes very interesting once the element of time is included as part of the mental gymnastics being toyed with. It appears abundantly evident how motion and time are as inseparable as space and time (space-time), the most fundamental of the precepts involved. Moreover how the unified term, space-time, could be more accurately expressed as motion-space-time. To some, this description is axiomatic in the sense that space and motion (space-motion) are as obviously unified as space-time. The reason being that since all matter is in motion, then no increment of time can elapse during which matter does not move some amount of distance. And that distance is, of course, then proportional to the velocity in question.
As part of this and other essays I've included in the separate department of NOUMENOMICON, an attempt is made to evaluate the consequences when the motion component of the otherwise inseparable triad of motion-space-time, is altered to some degree. And ultimately changed in the two most dramatic fashions possible. Namely acceleration and deceleration.
Assuming that no matter exists in a state of absolute rest, meaning that relative to everything else, a state of total motionlessness doesn't exist, then it seems reasonable that all notions of physics are based upon the assumption that all objects, bodies, or particles are moving. Further, that high velocity movements through open space are complex, exotic, mathematically extravagant, and relative to both one another and to the whole of the universe.
To digress a moment, it might be helpful to take a quick look at why this essay may or may not be important. Among the countless video documentaries and science programs that focus on “space travel”, a common thread runs through all of them. Each, to one degree or another, discusses and demonstrates the basic principles of Albert Einstein’s theories of both Special and General Relativity. One of the more fascinating of these laws deals with assertions that accelerated clocks, especially those in Earth orbit, run slower than their static, Earthbound counterparts.
Various explanations attempt, with difficulty, to detail the properties unique to Relativity concepts. Of particular note, however, is how the question is rarely raised, if ever, as to an exploration of what might happen were an identical clock slowed down rather than sped up. This query lies at the heart of the subject investigated here. Which is the questioning of seemingly noninvestigated truths that surround certain aspects of matter, subsequent the Big Bang, as it hurtles through space. Various and assorted problems inherent to moving near or at the speed of light also come into play.
Such concepts beg further inquiries about the effects of motion as they relate to moving bodies. About deceleration as well as acceleration. If the speed of light represents absolute motion, then what constitutes an equal but independent state of absolute rest? What happens in the utter absence of all movement through space? If nonexistent in the natural world, what means might be employed to slow something down, relative to all other celestial bodies? Relative to space itself? Where mass shares the identical attributes of vacuous space, a motionless non-thing. How is any motion discernible, detectable, compared to what? Or compared to nothing, minus relativity connections between and among other bodies. How is time affected by such inquiries, and what insights might be gained as a result, into the nature of time itself?
For more than two decades I figured, so what? Would anyone even care about an opposite viewpoint of space-motion? Despite its potentially interesting aspects. What practical applications could potentially result from an ability to accelerate time beyond its familiar, seemingly normal speed or rate? Which is, of course, a likely result of slowing or decelerating mass. One answer struck home when a recent program aired a discussion of the immense, on-going problems associated with radioactive waste.
Suppose, instead of periods measured in tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years, that the half-lives of radioactive materials could be quickly reduced to negligible, safe(r) levels -- maybe even eliminated altogether? Might the technology be developed whereby local time could be made to run faster? A situation where something ages at a rate far beyond everything outside an affected area (zone). If so, dangerous forms of radioactivity would surely suffice as a prime candidate of choice.
Lest a false impression be given, your humble correspondent is neither well educated nor well read on the topics into which he proposes to have some degree of insight. By the same token, this dissertation is thus not overly influenced by the facts and theories with which he is so unfamiliar. In the proverbial sense, I don't know enough to be even slightly dangerous, but here's to hoping my brilliant powers of reasoning dazzle all who read them. Or at least provide a slight glimmer amid the darkness.
The chief reason one might dare venture into this particular territory, as an intellectual exercise -- a challenge even -- is due to a particular aspect that has remained consistently inviting. This is to say that many, if not most, of the basic tenets of Einstein’s theories on Relativity are not entirely mathematical in nature; they require only a logical, reasoned deduction (or induction) of how some circumstances possess both an interior and exterior experience or “view”. How an internal participant perceives reality, versus how an external observer witnesses that same reality. The subjective compared to the objective.
Everything becomes very interesting once the element of time is included as part of the mental gymnastics being toyed with. It appears abundantly evident how motion and time are as inseparable as space and time (space-time), the most fundamental of the precepts involved. Moreover how the unified term, space-time, could be more accurately expressed as motion-space-time. To some, this description is axiomatic in the sense that space and motion (space-motion) are as obviously unified as space-time. The reason being that since all matter is in motion, then no increment of time can elapse during which matter does not move some amount of distance. And that distance is, of course, then proportional to the velocity in question.
As part of this and other essays I've included in the separate department of NOUMENOMICON, an attempt is made to evaluate the consequences when the motion component of the otherwise inseparable triad of motion-space-time, is altered to some degree. And ultimately changed in the two most dramatic fashions possible. Namely acceleration and deceleration.
Assuming that no matter exists in a state of absolute rest, meaning that relative to everything else, a state of total motionlessness doesn't exist, then it seems reasonable that all notions of physics are based upon the assumption that all objects, bodies, or particles are moving. Further, that high velocity movements through open space are complex, exotic, mathematically extravagant, and relative to both one another and to the whole of the universe.
To digress a moment, it might be helpful to take a quick look at why this essay may or may not be important. Among the countless video documentaries and science programs that focus on “space travel”, a common thread runs through all of them. Each, to one degree or another, discusses and demonstrates the basic principles of Albert Einstein’s theories of both Special and General Relativity. One of the more fascinating of these laws deals with assertions that accelerated clocks, especially those in Earth orbit, run slower than their static, Earthbound counterparts.
Various explanations attempt, with difficulty, to detail the properties unique to Relativity concepts. Of particular note, however, is how the question is rarely raised, if ever, as to an exploration of what might happen were an identical clock slowed down rather than sped up. This query lies at the heart of the subject investigated here. Which is the questioning of seemingly noninvestigated truths that surround certain aspects of matter, subsequent the Big Bang, as it hurtles through space. Various and assorted problems inherent to moving near or at the speed of light also come into play.
Such concepts beg further inquiries about the effects of motion as they relate to moving bodies. About deceleration as well as acceleration. If the speed of light represents absolute motion, then what constitutes an equal but independent state of absolute rest? What happens in the utter absence of all movement through space? If nonexistent in the natural world, what means might be employed to slow something down, relative to all other celestial bodies? Relative to space itself? Where mass shares the identical attributes of vacuous space, a motionless non-thing. How is any motion discernible, detectable, compared to what? Or compared to nothing, minus relativity connections between and among other bodies. How is time affected by such inquiries, and what insights might be gained as a result, into the nature of time itself?
For more than two decades I figured, so what? Would anyone even care about an opposite viewpoint of space-motion? Despite its potentially interesting aspects. What practical applications could potentially result from an ability to accelerate time beyond its familiar, seemingly normal speed or rate? Which is, of course, a likely result of slowing or decelerating mass. One answer struck home when a recent program aired a discussion of the immense, on-going problems associated with radioactive waste.
Suppose, instead of periods measured in tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years, that the half-lives of radioactive materials could be quickly reduced to negligible, safe(r) levels -- maybe even eliminated altogether? Might the technology be developed whereby local time could be made to run faster? A situation where something ages at a rate far beyond everything outside an affected area (zone). If so, dangerous forms of radioactivity would surely suffice as a prime candidate of choice.
Fig. 6. "Safe" disposal is a waste of time, money, and energy.
VIII.
On the Diminution of the Half-Lives of Radioactive Materials
A Science-Fictual / Science-Faction Story
A theoretical means by which the rate of nuclear decay is increased, such that toxic states of radiation emissions are, within relatively short periods of time, reduced to safe levels. A hypothetical “machine” that utilizes Einstein’s principles of Relativity to alter the rate that time flows -- at, in, or about a specific and localized zone or confined space.
PREMISE: All Bodies Are In States Of Movement/Motion/Velocity.
01. Relative to aspects of location and proximity to one another.
02. That one or more objects (items) confined within a specialized, enclosed space would, under the conditions described, experience a time-shift whereby the rate of nuclear decay of radioactive atoms becomes accelerated well beyond Earthbound norms.
03. A proposal for the development of a computer model that would test, confirm or disprove the feasibility of the concept in question, plus configure the potential hardware designs for a physical machine.
04. That such a mechanism might, just for fun, be designated as a “Motion Decelerator” (MD).
PURPOSE: To conduct research into the possible manipulation of motion-time-space within a limited and controlled arena. Further, to develop the necessary machinery plus related software technologies.
01. To explore the potential benefits and attributes of a functional “time machine”.
02. If successful, project expenses are met and exceeded via an ability to virtually eliminate most problems associated with radioactive contamination and waste. Further, the benefit gained both by the environment and humanity from the “deactivation” of radioactive material. Toxic levels which are rapidly and safely reduced to harmless levels.
03. To extend this technology into as-yet-undetermined areas of research. Probable ramifications pertinent to Black Holes, gravity, nuclear forces, others.
SECONDARY PREMISE: Accelerated Clocks Run Slower Than Earthbound Counterparts.
01. A proven General/Special Relativity principle.
02. The high probability that, as an axiom, the exact opposite premise is equally true.
TERTIARY PREMISE: Decelerated Clocks Run Faster Than Static, Earthbound Counterparts.
01. An unproven theory and hypothesis.
02. Problematical due to the seeming incomprehensibility/ascertainment/achievability of what is termed, “deceleration”.
03. Easily solvable as a thought-problem.
04. A machine that decelerates the intrinsic, imparted motion(s) possessed by all matter -- velocities initiated via the Big Bang.
05. Reverse engineering the effects of the Big Bang.
PREMISE: All Bodies Are In States Of Movement/Motion/Velocity.
01. Relative to aspects of location and proximity to one another.
02. That one or more objects (items) confined within a specialized, enclosed space would, under the conditions described, experience a time-shift whereby the rate of nuclear decay of radioactive atoms becomes accelerated well beyond Earthbound norms.
03. A proposal for the development of a computer model that would test, confirm or disprove the feasibility of the concept in question, plus configure the potential hardware designs for a physical machine.
04. That such a mechanism might, just for fun, be designated as a “Motion Decelerator” (MD).
PURPOSE: To conduct research into the possible manipulation of motion-time-space within a limited and controlled arena. Further, to develop the necessary machinery plus related software technologies.
01. To explore the potential benefits and attributes of a functional “time machine”.
02. If successful, project expenses are met and exceeded via an ability to virtually eliminate most problems associated with radioactive contamination and waste. Further, the benefit gained both by the environment and humanity from the “deactivation” of radioactive material. Toxic levels which are rapidly and safely reduced to harmless levels.
03. To extend this technology into as-yet-undetermined areas of research. Probable ramifications pertinent to Black Holes, gravity, nuclear forces, others.
SECONDARY PREMISE: Accelerated Clocks Run Slower Than Earthbound Counterparts.
01. A proven General/Special Relativity principle.
02. The high probability that, as an axiom, the exact opposite premise is equally true.
TERTIARY PREMISE: Decelerated Clocks Run Faster Than Static, Earthbound Counterparts.
01. An unproven theory and hypothesis.
02. Problematical due to the seeming incomprehensibility/ascertainment/achievability of what is termed, “deceleration”.
03. Easily solvable as a thought-problem.
04. A machine that decelerates the intrinsic, imparted motion(s) possessed by all matter -- velocities initiated via the Big Bang.
05. Reverse engineering the effects of the Big Bang.
IX.
RATIONAL RATIONALES
A. That time (for us) is connected to (solely a result of) our motion through interstellar space.
B. That time runs/ticks at a particular rate (interval/sequence) in a particular place, based upon the specific trajectory (location/proximity) of a body in motion.
C. That this trajectory is derived from a multiplicity of axial/orbital/galactic movements that combine cumulatively as a single, unified motion through space. That such might be termed as a body’s “singular trajectory”.
D. All matter, subatomic and otherwise, is in a state of perpetual motion. This condition may be independent of the behavioral aspects associated with Quantum Mechanics, Chaos Theory, Fractals, Fuzzy Logic or other exotic happenings at the subatomic level. In general, no particle or body of matter could seem to exist in a state of total rest -- a condition defined as absolute deceleration or motionlessness. The opposite of a Black Hole. A White Hole.
E. All interstellar bodies possess individual motions that are largely unique, based on their mass. Various bodies may share motions which are very similar or vastly different.
F. Bodies which possess similar velocities (and like mass?) share like rates of time. Bodies which possess greatly differing velocities exist within greatly different time-frames. On the subatomic level, a great difference may indeed exist in terms of the rates of nuclear activity.
G. Hierarchical, quantitative, and qualitative systems.
B. That time runs/ticks at a particular rate (interval/sequence) in a particular place, based upon the specific trajectory (location/proximity) of a body in motion.
C. That this trajectory is derived from a multiplicity of axial/orbital/galactic movements that combine cumulatively as a single, unified motion through space. That such might be termed as a body’s “singular trajectory”.
D. All matter, subatomic and otherwise, is in a state of perpetual motion. This condition may be independent of the behavioral aspects associated with Quantum Mechanics, Chaos Theory, Fractals, Fuzzy Logic or other exotic happenings at the subatomic level. In general, no particle or body of matter could seem to exist in a state of total rest -- a condition defined as absolute deceleration or motionlessness. The opposite of a Black Hole. A White Hole.
E. All interstellar bodies possess individual motions that are largely unique, based on their mass. Various bodies may share motions which are very similar or vastly different.
F. Bodies which possess similar velocities (and like mass?) share like rates of time. Bodies which possess greatly differing velocities exist within greatly different time-frames. On the subatomic level, a great difference may indeed exist in terms of the rates of nuclear activity.
G. Hierarchical, quantitative, and qualitative systems.
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