In a groundbreaking study, scientists from the University of Warsaw and the National University of Singapore have questioned the long-known rule of physics that nothing can travel faster than light. By developing an “extension of the special theory of relativity” that combines three temporal dimensions with one spatial dimension, the scientists have opened up the possibility of objects exceeding the speed of light without violating existing laws of physics.
The work builds on previous research aimed at harmonizing quantum mechanics and Einstein’s special theory of relativity, two branches of physics that currently lack a unified theory to explain gravity. By introducing the concept of superluminal perspectives, the researchers suggest that particles can no longer be modeled as point-like objects, but resemble expanding bubbles in space. The study was published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity
According to physicist Andrzej Dragan, there is no fundamental reason why observers traveling at speeds greater than the speed of light should not be subject to it. This new view also preserves Einstein’s postulate of the constancy of the speed of light in a vacuum, even for superluminal observers.
While this extension of the special theory of relativity offers exciting possibilities, it also raises new questions. The researchers suggest that to include faster-than-light reference frames in the theory of relativity would require an extension of special relativity, possibly involving quantum field theory concepts.
– “There is no fundamental reason why observers moving relative to described physical systems at speeds faster than the speed of light should not be subject to it.” – Andrzej Dragan, a physicist at the University of Warsaw.
Scientific and historical information:
– Einstein’s special theory of relativity states that nothing can move faster than light and that time slows down as an object approaches the speed of light.
– The study presents a 1+3 space-time model that combines three dimensions of time with one dimension of space.
– FTL objects would appear as particles expanding in space like bubbles in which multiple time lines exist.
– The extension of the special theory of relativity is intended to reconcile quantum mechanics with Einstein’s theory and provide a unified explanation of gravity.
Expert Opinion:
– Physicist Andrzej Dragan believes that the new model does not violate any fundamental principles and can be seen as a natural extension of Einstein’s theory.
