Does an Expanding Universe Alter How Quickly Light Travels Through Space?

In summary, as the universe expands, space stretches and objects drift apart. This means that one meter billions of years ago is now two meters, but it is uncertain if light takes twice as long to travel this "new meter". The question arises if time remains consistent throughout the universe, considering the interdependence of time and space. Does the absence of mass in the voids of space affect the consistency of time, and if so, would light travel at a different rate in these areas?
  • #1
Gal
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As the universe expands, space itself gets "stretched" and objects drift apart, like dots on elastic surfaces when force is applied. So one meter billions of years ago is two meters today, but does it necessarily mean light takes twice as long to travel this "new meter"?
 
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  • #2
Gal said:
As the universe expands, space itself gets "stretched" and objects drift apart, like dots on elastic surfaces when force is applied. So one meter billions of years ago is two meters today, but does it necessarily mean light takes twice as long to travel this "new meter"?
Yes.
 
  • #3
Gal said:
As the universe expands, space itself gets "stretched" and objects drift apart, like dots on elastic surfaces when force is applied. So one meter billions of years ago is two meters today, but does it necessarily mean light takes twice as long to travel this "new meter"?

This is kind of similar to a question I have.
My question is: do we know that time stays consistant throughout all the universe. We know that time and space are intertwined, and that time is relative depending on mass, such as near an event horizon. Does the absence of any mass, out in the voids of space, between galaxies, also affect time's consistancy? If not, would light pass though these areas at a different rate comparatively?
 

Related to Does an Expanding Universe Alter How Quickly Light Travels Through Space?

1. How does the expanding universe affect the speed of light?

The speed of light in a vacuum is a constant, meaning it does not change regardless of the expansion of the universe. However, as the universe expands, it stretches the wavelength of light, making it appear to have a longer wavelength and therefore a lower frequency. This phenomenon is known as cosmological redshift.

2. Can light travel faster than the expansion of the universe?

No, the expansion of the universe is believed to be the fastest possible speed at which matter and energy can travel. This means that light, which is made up of energy, cannot travel faster than the expanding universe.

3. How does the expansion of the universe affect the distance that light can travel?

The expansion of the universe causes space itself to stretch, which means that the distance between objects is increasing. This means that light must travel further to reach us, resulting in a longer travel time and making distant objects appear to be moving away from us faster than nearby objects.

4. Does the expanding universe affect the color of light?

Yes, as the universe expands and stretches the wavelength of light, it also affects its color. This is due to the fact that color is determined by the frequency of light, and as the frequency decreases, the color shifts towards the red end of the spectrum. This is known as redshift.

5. How does the expansion of the universe impact our understanding of the age of the universe?

The expansion of the universe is a crucial factor in determining the age of the universe. By measuring the rate at which the universe is expanding and extrapolating backwards, scientists can estimate the age of the universe. This method, known as the Hubble constant, is currently one of the most accurate ways to determine the age of the universe.

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