I'm confused...

[swolf]

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

 

[Bobic]

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

He's a physicist, none of those problems are physics related (except maybe the ending of need for oil, but damn, if the guy enjoy's wormholes let him study wormholes).

 

[Canid117]

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

Completely different specialty for several problems that would take far longer than one lifetime to achieve. Why must civilization advance along only one path at a time? Why can't we try to cure cancer while we unravel the nature of the universe?

 

[swolf]

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

Completely different specialty for several problems that would take far longer than one lifetime to achieve. Why must civilization advance along only one path at a time? Why can't we try to cure cancer while we unravel the nature of the universe?

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

He's a physicist, none of those problems are physics related (except maybe the ending of need for oil, but damn, if the guy enjoy's wormholes let him study wormholes).

To both, why focus on what might happen when you should be focusing on what is happening right now? If my neighbors house is burning, I'm going to grab a hose. I wouldn't sit there wondering about how I would pilot my house when I eventually get it to fly. See my logic?

 

[Bobic]

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

Completely different specialty for several problems that would take far longer than one lifetime to achieve. Why must civilization advance along only one path at a time? Why can't we try to cure cancer while we unravel the nature of the universe?

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

He's a physicist, none of those problems are physics related (except maybe the ending of need for oil, but damn, if the guy enjoy's wormholes let him study wormholes).

To both, why focus on what might happen when you should be focusing on what is happening right now? If my neighbors house is burning, I'm going to grab a hose. I wouldn't sit there wondering about how I would pilot my house when I eventually get it to fly. See my logic?

But his job and knowledge are irrelevant when considering things like a cure for cancer, that's more of a biologist's concern.

Also, why haven't YOU dedicated YOUR life to solving the energy crisis, curing cancer and fixing BP's oil spill. Just because a guy is smart doesn't mean it's his duty to save the planet, it's up to him how he applies his genious, if he chose wormholes and trying to summarise the history of everything then that's his choice and we can't fault him on it.

 

[Canid117]

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

Completely different specialty for several problems that would take far longer than one lifetime to achieve. Why must civilization advance along only one path at a time? Why can't we try to cure cancer while we unravel the nature of the universe?

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work.

There is your first problem. Its not. Wormholes could work but that is because they are a connection of two points in space time and we have no where near the technology or the energy generation capabilities to make a worm hole. They are theorized to occur naturally in Black holes and white holes but actually getting to them is... an issue to say the least.

Why are these "geniuses" spending so much time theorizing on the logic of wormholes them instead of focusing on the current day problems? For example, I know that if I was Stephen Hawking, I would focus my intellect on trying to cure his handicap, fix the BP oil leak, cure cancer, end war, make something that will end the need for oil (I realize it exists but simply is not where it needs to be) or any other endless number of current day problems. I don't understand...

He's a physicist, none of those problems are physics related (except maybe the ending of need for oil, but damn, if the guy enjoy's wormholes let him study wormholes).

To both, why focus on what might happen when you should be focusing on what is happening right now? If my neighbors house is burning, I'm going to grab a hose. I wouldn't sit there wondering about how I would pilot my house when I eventually get it to fly. See my logic?

Because Hawking doesn't have the necessary skill set to solve most of those problems? The house burning down doesn't really apply either. There are numerous perfectly competent individuals working on most of those problems as we speak. Just because one genius joins in doesn't mean that a problem is going to be solved over night. Especially when they do not have the training to deal with the problem.

 

[kimba_lion]

why oh why do people have to make my brain hurt i have been told how this stuff all works and i still i dont understand!!

 

[swolf]

snip.

Because I'm focusing on getting my EMT certification back so I can save lives. Not as world changing as curing cancer...small steps.

scientific snip

Good point. Have a cookie.

 

[GrinningManiac]

Ah, the beauty of MY theory is that you CAN travel back in time (20s is my first choice as well), you just can't change anything, and anything you TRY to change will either happen anyway, or happen BECAUSE of your intefering, thus coming full circle

Oh, but doesn't your very presence change it irrevocably? And considering the Butterfly effect, it would probably have dramatic results for the future. Sensitive dependence on initial conditions and all that.

...It's hard to explain my theory

In 2010, 1933 has already happened. Going back in time means you are in 1933, which, as of 2010, has already happened

therefore, you being back in time has already happened!

You were ALWAYS in 1933, becuase you went BACK there

You didn't open up a 'new' 1933 where you are present. Instead, it is simply a course of history that you WERE IN 1933

Do you see where I'm coming from? It's really hard to explain it

 

[BiscuitTrouser]

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work. This comes from talking to my father-in-law and brother-in-law talking with me while watching some show that had geniuses discussing time travel and aliens. First, the odds of finding an intelligent alien race is slim to none. That would have to be after we find an alien planet that could sustain life forms. Also, how many species on our planet would we consider "intelligent" or intelligent enough that we would learn from them? Well, then how can we expect to find species outside of our galaxy. In essence, I'm saying that humans are evolutionary freaks (not only because of intelligence but because we fight wars and other actions that animals don't do).
On to time travel, how would that work? They say that it would happen by going fast enough. First, I doubt that's even possible without every piece of machinery involved heating up and falling apart. Second, speed is distance divided by time so that equation is broken when you remove time...I think it's 2 different planes and going to the max of one will not cause transportation through the other.

OT: they were wondering what would happen if you went back in time and shot your "old self". Well, I have to say that I don't see the logic in shooting myself for any reason other than morbid curiosity in the first place. Anyways, they found that concept intriguing since you would not be able to shoot yourself without eliminating your ability to go back in time and shoot yourself creating a paradox.

So, could anybody explain this stuff to me?

Basically forward time travel works on the basis that time is affected by speed. Bare with me here, the faster you go, the more mass you have and the slower time goes. Now we cant see this as humans because our fastest speed for your average joe (plane flight) is pittance compared to the speed of light. Once you achieve the speed of light (fastest speed possible) your mass is infinite and time stops. So time has stopped for you but moves forward for everyone else, basically forward time travel. Cryogenic freezing is BASICALLY forward time travel, its the same concept.

Backward time travel is theoretically impossible, there isnt an oposite to the speed of light. Also if anyone went back into the past and changed time the changes will already be in effect (because they took place in the past) so its impossible to alter future events. We are all ready living in these altered future events.

Heres one for your brain to munch. High speed means slower time. Right now you are not stationary though, your on a world speeding round a sun speeding round a solar system speeding around a galaxy speeding around a solar system. That means for you and me time is much slower compared to a hypathetical alien who lives on a perfectly stationary planet. We only experience very slow time.

 

[Littlee300]

Traveling backwards in time is impossible because causes happen before effects. Traveling forward is theoretically possible and involves moving really fast. Trust me, Stephen Hawking told me on TV.

Travelling forward in time is a simple matter of speeding up. That's it. It's actually slowing time for you, though everyone else is moving forward faster than you so you reach a future point at your current age.

Going back in time is going faster than the speed of light, which requires infinite amounts of energy, and is therefore 99.99999999% impossible. Until proven otherwise.

Also my thoughts on timelines. We exist in a one possible timeline in a multiverse that contains EVERY SINGLE POSSIBLE ACTION OR CHOICE in the form of its own timeline. So, you wake up at 7 a.m., new timeline, you wake up at 7:01 a.m.? New timeline. You squish the spider, timeline; you don't, other timeline.

So everything that was possible or is possible exists at some point, there should even be timelines that exist for if you time travelled. You still wouldn't be able to kill yourself without cloning yourself first though, it would have already happened so you couldn't go back in time and kill yourself because you don't exist.

Random note, if you could move at a negative speed (not negative direction, negative SPEED), then you would age faster than everyone else.

I completely agree with this post.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
So there would be a million time lines if you went back in time and changed your alarm clock to 1 minute and then your past self does same thing to the past past self? So there are like infinite time lines? *head explodes*
PS: I always thought time travel wouldn't be used or we would of already of had someone visiting us with time travel machine in a future time line. Please correct my PS if possible

 

[Fallen-Angel Risen-Demon]

Traveling backwards in time is impossible because causes happen before effects. Traveling forward is theoretically possible and involves moving really fast. Trust me, Stephen Hawking told me on TV.

well stephen hawkings is WRONG!

Spoiler

i Think the doctor knows more abou time this pfft stephan hawkings

OT: When time travel happens it would be impossible to travel back before it existed reason being they will work as a sort of telephone thing so you can only travel between them.
anyway I would not be able to kill oneself as there would be awesome time police that moniter these types of things therefore you would not be able to change time but say you were then time most probably wouldn't let you. you for instance pull the trigger and all of them would be dud's but if you had a revolver (unable to dud) you would pull the trigger and somthing would happen say a car got in the way this would change time slightly (you would remeber the gunshot) but not greatly enough to effect the time space continuem.
trust me i know these things.
also anyone seen this

Spoiler

 

[DSK-]

All right, could somebody explain how time-travel is supposed to theoretically work. This comes from talking to my father-in-law and brother-in-law talking with me while watching some show that had geniuses discussing time travel and aliens. First, the odds of finding an intelligent alien race is slim to none. That would have to be after we find an alien planet that could sustain life forms. Also, how many species on our planet would we consider "intelligent" or intelligent enough that we would learn from them? Well, then how can we expect to find species outside of our galaxy. In essence, I'm saying that humans are evolutionary freaks (not only because of intelligence but because we fight wars and other actions that animals don't do).
On to time travel, how would that work? They say that it would happen by going fast enough. First, I doubt that's even possible without every piece of machinery involved heating up and falling apart. Second, speed is distance divided by time so that equation is broken when you remove time...I think it's 2 different planes and going to the max of one will not cause transportation through the other.

OT: they were wondering what would happen if you went back in time and shot your "old self". Well, I have to say that I don't see the logic in shooting myself for any reason other than morbid curiosity in the first place. Anyways, they found that concept intriguing since you would not be able to shoot yourself without eliminating your ability to go back in time and shoot yourself creating a paradox.

So, could anybody explain this stuff to me?

On the whole evolutionary freaks thing - I figured out my own answer to this question many years ago. Let me summarise it.

Simply put, it could be said that almost every organism/animal on this planet has some form of offensive/defensive ability - be it wings, venon, antlers, sonar, limb re-growth, seeing in the dark - whatever - they have something that will give them an edge in the natural world.

Now take humans. Humans don't really have anything going for them physically - except for their brain. It could be argued that this is a passive ability - for a lack of a better word.

Simply put, instead of giving us an edge in surviving in the world, our brain has given us the ability to actually shape the world we live in, and come up to solutions to problems in the natural world. We don't have fangs, claws or sharp teeth? why don't we make tools and weapons that we can use to do their jobs?.

In the end we are still animals and very easily led on to our animalistic instincts. However I would argue that no matter how much humanity thinks it is "humane" it is pure bullshit. Animals in nature do the things they do for survival and because they have to. The things we do are often motivated by egotistical notions.

Anyway, I digress. As for the time travel thing, I think you are making a reference to the 'Twins paradox' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_paradox

 

[cerebus23]

wormholes can travel you back in time, not that anyone would survive the trip with current technology. but by all accounts most wormholes loop back toward themselves and put you at or near where you started slightly before you left in the first place.

there is no law in physics that says time cannot move forward or backward, most of our time is all made up anyway and is realtive to our experiences and our known little world, and how fast we are moving.

i dunno if anyone has proved that going faster than light would eventually move the clock backwards if you got going fast enough to pass the ultimate speed limit. lest as we humans see it light is the ultimate speed in the universe, nothing moves faster than it supposedly, and even if you could go fast enough to equal its speed would not time stop entirely for you traveling through it before we got to the backwards moving?

and the whole paradox stuff surmises that we live in a single timeline universe, there could be multiples of timelines where every and all possibilities play out, certainly a universe that has a quantum component to it where that exactly does happen sure makes it hard to rule it out unless you can prove there is only one timeline definitively which i think will be rather far out of reach for many years to come.

so bottom line the only way we think we could travel back in time at all is via wormholes. but being that most wormholes are so tiny that there is no way to get anything inside them that probably will not happen any time soon either.