Last month, the world of physics was rocked by what seemed to be neutrinos moving at faster-than-light speed. The discovery was made by a group of researchers analyzing years of data. The measurements were taken from firing neutrinos from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) near Geneva to Gran Sasso in Italy, a distance of 730 kilometers. The finding, if verified by independent researchers, has vast implications for the world of physics. According to Einstein’s theory of special relativity, the speed of light is a cosmic constant, and nothing travels faster. This model is the basis for the Standard Model of Physics, such a discovery could change what we know about the universe. Faster than light travel is also the basis for theoretical time travel. “Most theorists believe that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light,” said Stephen Parke, head of the theoretical physics department at the Government run Fermilab in the United States. If things travel faster than the speed of light, A can cause B, [but] B can also cause A,” he continued. “If that happens, the concept of causality becomes ambiguous, and that would cause a great deal of trouble.” The experiment recorded the neutrinos arriving in Gran Sasso 60 nanoseconds faster than light itself would have. According to a statement released by the ‘Oscillation Project with Emulsion-tRacking Apparatus’ (OPERA) spokesperson, Antonio Ereditato, the result “comes as a great surprise. Source: Bikya Masr
Sunday, 19 February 2012
New experiments on faster than light neutrinos rocks world of physics
Last month, the world of physics was rocked by what seemed to be neutrinos moving at faster-than-light speed. The discovery was made by a group of researchers analyzing years of data. The measurements were taken from firing neutrinos from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) near Geneva to Gran Sasso in Italy, a distance of 730 kilometers. The finding, if verified by independent researchers, has vast implications for the world of physics. According to Einstein’s theory of special relativity, the speed of light is a cosmic constant, and nothing travels faster. This model is the basis for the Standard Model of Physics, such a discovery could change what we know about the universe. Faster than light travel is also the basis for theoretical time travel. “Most theorists believe that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light,” said Stephen Parke, head of the theoretical physics department at the Government run Fermilab in the United States. If things travel faster than the speed of light, A can cause B, [but] B can also cause A,” he continued. “If that happens, the concept of causality becomes ambiguous, and that would cause a great deal of trouble.” The experiment recorded the neutrinos arriving in Gran Sasso 60 nanoseconds faster than light itself would have. According to a statement released by the ‘Oscillation Project with Emulsion-tRacking Apparatus’ (OPERA) spokesperson, Antonio Ereditato, the result “comes as a great surprise. Source: Bikya Masr
