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Faster Than the Speed of Light: The Story of a Scientific Speculation
What if the speed of light, now accepted as one of the unchanging foundations of modern physics, were not constant? Brilliant young physicist João Magueijo puts forth the heretical idea that light once traveled faster, in the very early days of the universe an idea that may dethrone Einstein and forever change our understanding of the universe. Solving the most intractable problems of cosmology in one brilliant leap, Magueijo's varying-speed-of-light theory (VSL) could have truly marvelous implications for space travel, black holes, time dilation, and string theory and could help uncover the grand unified theory that ultimately eluded Einstein. Faster Than the Speed of Light tells the remarkable story of Magueijo's struggle to understand how the universe works, to challenge long-established ideas, and to fight to have his bold new vision accepted.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
66 people are currently reading
1397 people want to read
About the author
João Magueijo
8 books39 followersJoão Magueijo is a Portuguese cosmologist and professor in Theoretical Physics at Imperial College London. He is a pioneer of the varying speed of light (VSL) theory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 30, 2009
If you want to know about Joao's idea VSL (variable Speed of Light) look elsewhere. If you want to know how bad Joao hates scientific administrators and editors, this is the book for you.
November 29, 2012
This is the worst book I have ever read. Actually, I could not even finish it and I was trying really hard because I had promised a friend I would read it. (Sorry, DC...)
The style in which this book is written makes me angry. What the author wants you to think when you buy or lend this book is that he is going to tell you about things in physics that he thinks marvelous. What the author really is telling you is how great he is, what a wonderful person, what a good physicist. And you... a reader... Who are you to be compared to a real scientist?
As in almost every book on public science there are two parts forming parallel the content.
The first is about the scientists themselves, a little bit about the times they were living in and -- in particular here -- about the events in the life of the author that made him write the present book. After the introduction of a scientist he will be called only by his first name. So reading another book again you would never recognize this scientist by his name. To me personally it seems right-away disrespectful.
The second part speaks about cosmology. An author of a such book has to explain things right from the beginning. Actually, this is the only good thing I can say about this book, it is the order of the things to be explained, so far I can tell.* Unfortunately when it comes to explaining itself the author fails completely. The simpler things get a lot of text. The simpler the point the more text. The complicated matters are hardly explained or not at all. Such an example is the sudden appearing paragraph about a discussion about the Minkowski space. Of course, without any further explanation. (There have never been any notion about it before nor after -- at least not on the 30 pages later.*) It seems to me that the author do not want you to understand the theories. He wants you to admire him that HE does.
If you are really looking for a book about cosmology to read you will do best to ignore the mere existence of this one. It will kill a mere wish to read another book about physics ever again.
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* See the second sentence of this review.
The style in which this book is written makes me angry. What the author wants you to think when you buy or lend this book is that he is going to tell you about things in physics that he thinks marvelous. What the author really is telling you is how great he is, what a wonderful person, what a good physicist. And you... a reader... Who are you to be compared to a real scientist?
As in almost every book on public science there are two parts forming parallel the content.
The first is about the scientists themselves, a little bit about the times they were living in and -- in particular here -- about the events in the life of the author that made him write the present book. After the introduction of a scientist he will be called only by his first name. So reading another book again you would never recognize this scientist by his name. To me personally it seems right-away disrespectful.
The second part speaks about cosmology. An author of a such book has to explain things right from the beginning. Actually, this is the only good thing I can say about this book, it is the order of the things to be explained, so far I can tell.* Unfortunately when it comes to explaining itself the author fails completely. The simpler things get a lot of text. The simpler the point the more text. The complicated matters are hardly explained or not at all. Such an example is the sudden appearing paragraph about a discussion about the Minkowski space. Of course, without any further explanation. (There have never been any notion about it before nor after -- at least not on the 30 pages later.*) It seems to me that the author do not want you to understand the theories. He wants you to admire him that HE does.
If you are really looking for a book about cosmology to read you will do best to ignore the mere existence of this one. It will kill a mere wish to read another book about physics ever again.
-----
* See the second sentence of this review.
February 20, 2020
Un texto fascinante que representa de la mejor manera el auténtico sentido de la investigación científica.
Aunque gran parte de sus ideas y propuestas siguen en el campo de la especulación y no han sido comprobadas, este libro es una carta de amor a la verdadera experiencia y deseo humano de comprender la realidad.
A continuación un extracto que representa lo que trato de decir, se refiere a la posibilidad de que su teoría de Velocidad Variable de la Luz este equivocada:
<< Además, ¿cuál es el problema si resulta errónea? Es muy gracioso comprobar que algunos colegas -una minoría, para ser justos- están desesperados por ver a la teoría desmoronarse. Es gente que nunca tuvo agallas para intentar siquiera encontrar algo nuevo por su cuenta. Es triste, pero algunos científicos jamás se apartan demasiado de los caminos trillados, sea en la teoría de las cuerdas, la cosmología inflacionaria, la teoría de la radiación cósmica o el trabajo experimental. Evidentemente, para ellos, algo tan temerario como la VSL (Variable Speed of Light) es una afrenta a su amor propio, de modo que necesitan verla fracasar. Pero se equivocan. Si la teoría es errónea, haré nuevos intentos con algo más radical todavía, pues el único motivo por el cual vale la pena hacer ciencia es, precisamente, la aventura de perderse en la jungla. >>
Como dije, fascinante.
Aunque gran parte de sus ideas y propuestas siguen en el campo de la especulación y no han sido comprobadas, este libro es una carta de amor a la verdadera experiencia y deseo humano de comprender la realidad.
A continuación un extracto que representa lo que trato de decir, se refiere a la posibilidad de que su teoría de Velocidad Variable de la Luz este equivocada:
<< Además, ¿cuál es el problema si resulta errónea? Es muy gracioso comprobar que algunos colegas -una minoría, para ser justos- están desesperados por ver a la teoría desmoronarse. Es gente que nunca tuvo agallas para intentar siquiera encontrar algo nuevo por su cuenta. Es triste, pero algunos científicos jamás se apartan demasiado de los caminos trillados, sea en la teoría de las cuerdas, la cosmología inflacionaria, la teoría de la radiación cósmica o el trabajo experimental. Evidentemente, para ellos, algo tan temerario como la VSL (Variable Speed of Light) es una afrenta a su amor propio, de modo que necesitan verla fracasar. Pero se equivocan. Si la teoría es errónea, haré nuevos intentos con algo más radical todavía, pues el único motivo por el cual vale la pena hacer ciencia es, precisamente, la aventura de perderse en la jungla. >>
Como dije, fascinante.
July 29, 2017
تخيل شخصاً بشعرٍ أبيض غير مرتبٍ بالمرة يكتب مجموعةً من المعادلات الرياضية؛ حسناً، أتوقع أنك تخيلت أينشتاين، شخصٌ أشهر من نارٍ على علم، فهو واضع النظرية النسبية، وإن كنت تعرف أقل القليل عنها فلا بد أنك تعرف أن سرعة الضوء ثابتة وألا شيء أسرع من الضوء. حسناً، هذه القاعدة هي من أعمدة علم الكونيات والفيزياء بشكل عام في العقود الماضية وإلى الآن، إنها "نصٌ مقدس" إن صح التعبير، لا يجوز تحريفه أبداً؛ فم قولك عن كاتبٍ يخصص كتاباً "ليدنس هذا النص" ويحدثك فيه عن ما هو أسرع من الضوء؟
يتحدث عن سرعة الضوء في الفترة الأولى من عمر الكون حيث يتوقع أنها كانت أسرع مما هي الحال عليه اليوم، وهذا الطرح بإمكانه حل مشاكل لا تستطيع النماذج الحالية (النموذج الخاص بالتوسع الكوني) حله.
في بداية الكتاب -وكون الكاتب على وشك أن "يحطم" النسبية- يشرح لنا ما هي النسبية وكي توصل أينشتاين إليها، وما هو التوسع الكوني وما هو شكل هذا الكون وما هي المشاكل التي لا تستطيع النماذج الفيزيائية والفلكية حلها؛ يمثل هذا القسم من الكتاب ما يربو على ثلثه، والكاتب معذورٌ في ذلك، فكتابه موجهٌ للعامة وبالتالي يجب أن يشرح لهم ما هي النسبية وما معنى سرعة الضوء وثباتها كي يكون قادراً على طرح نظريته؛ في هذا القسم من الكتاب، كان الكاتب موفقاً في ما أدلى إلى حدٍ كبير، وقد انسجمتُ معه بشكلٍ كامل، وأخذت صراحةً ألتهم الصفحات كي أصل إلى القسم الثاني من الكتاب، حيث "ستتغير سرعة الضوء".
لكن وللأسف، فإن القسم الثاني لم يكن برأيي مضارعاً لسابقه؛ فعوضاً عن كم المعلومات الغزير، وانسجامها وسلاستها -أي المعلومات- البديعين الذين تجسدا في القسم الأول، كان القسم الثاني أشبه بسيرةٍ ذاتيةٍ لحياة الكاتب في الفترة التي كان يعمل فيها على هذه النظرية الجديدة، فنجده يحدثنا عن أسفاره ومغامراته وأصدقائه ومن أين جاؤوا وإلى أين رحلوا، وعن الملاهي التي زارها وبصحبة من شرب فيها الجعة، حدثنا عن آماله وأحلامه والمصاعب التي واجهها، ونقل إلينا ما اعتمل في صدور زملائه -سواءً من عمل معه وآزره، أو من سخر منه وثبطه- وأطال واصفاً نقاشه وخلافه مع المسؤول عن نشر مقالته العلمية في الدورية الفيزيائية؛ وليس هذا فقط، بل إن هذا القسم مليئٌ بآراء الكاتب عن نظام إدارة الجامعات في بريطانيا وعن بيروقراطيته السقيمة وروتينه القاتل، بل وعن غباء بعض المتنفذين فيها.
فالقسم الثاني احتوى في معظمه على تجربة الكاتب الشخصية في هذه الفترة من حياته؛ وربما يشفع له أن عنوان كتابه الفرعي "قصة تخمين علمي"، ربما يشفعُ له هذا العنوانُ هذه السلبيةِ، فهو يريد أن يحدثنا عن قصة. لكن المشكلة لم تتوقف هنا، فعلى العكس من الفصل الأول، لم يذلل الكاتب للقارئ الصعوبات والأفكار العلمية التي طرحها، فتخيل أن تقرأ عن الكوانتية الحلقية والهندسة اللاتبادلية!
لقد كان القسم الثاني على قلة كمية المعلومات فيه صعباً ما اضطرني مجبراً إلى البحث شخصياً عن هذه المفاهيم لاستيعابها، واضطرني ملولاً إلى متابعة قراءة الكتاب حتى الصفحة الأخيرة.
باختصار، وُفِق الكاتب في القسم الأول وواجهه سوء الطالع في القسم الثاني، فإن لم تكن من محبي الفيزياء أو الفلك فلا أعتقد أن الكتاب سيروق لك.
لكن، ولأذكر بعد هذا الانتقاد المطول إيجابيةً لمستها منذ الصفحة الأولى، هي لغة الكاتب الجزلة وقدرة المترجم على نقلها إلى روح العربية بنجاح. لقد أعجبتني هذه النقطة الذي تفتقر إليها الكتب العلمية ذات الأسلوب الجاف...
أنصح به لمحبي الفيزياء...
يتحدث عن سرعة الضوء في الفترة الأولى من عمر الكون حيث يتوقع أنها كانت أسرع مما هي الحال عليه اليوم، وهذا الطرح بإمكانه حل مشاكل لا تستطيع النماذج الحالية (النموذج الخاص بالتوسع الكوني) حله.
في بداية الكتاب -وكون الكاتب على وشك أن "يحطم" النسبية- يشرح لنا ما هي النسبية وكي توصل أينشتاين إليها، وما هو التوسع الكوني وما هو شكل هذا الكون وما هي المشاكل التي لا تستطيع النماذج الفيزيائية والفلكية حلها؛ يمثل هذا القسم من الكتاب ما يربو على ثلثه، والكاتب معذورٌ في ذلك، فكتابه موجهٌ للعامة وبالتالي يجب أن يشرح لهم ما هي النسبية وما معنى سرعة الضوء وثباتها كي يكون قادراً على طرح نظريته؛ في هذا القسم من الكتاب، كان الكاتب موفقاً في ما أدلى إلى حدٍ كبير، وقد انسجمتُ معه بشكلٍ كامل، وأخذت صراحةً ألتهم الصفحات كي أصل إلى القسم الثاني من الكتاب، حيث "ستتغير سرعة الضوء".
لكن وللأسف، فإن القسم الثاني لم يكن برأيي مضارعاً لسابقه؛ فعوضاً عن كم المعلومات الغزير، وانسجامها وسلاستها -أي المعلومات- البديعين الذين تجسدا في القسم الأول، كان القسم الثاني أشبه بسيرةٍ ذاتيةٍ لحياة الكاتب في الفترة التي كان يعمل فيها على هذه النظرية الجديدة، فنجده يحدثنا عن أسفاره ومغامراته وأصدقائه ومن أين جاؤوا وإلى أين رحلوا، وعن الملاهي التي زارها وبصحبة من شرب فيها الجعة، حدثنا عن آماله وأحلامه والمصاعب التي واجهها، ونقل إلينا ما اعتمل في صدور زملائه -سواءً من عمل معه وآزره، أو من سخر منه وثبطه- وأطال واصفاً نقاشه وخلافه مع المسؤول عن نشر مقالته العلمية في الدورية الفيزيائية؛ وليس هذا فقط، بل إن هذا القسم مليئٌ بآراء الكاتب عن نظام إدارة الجامعات في بريطانيا وعن بيروقراطيته السقيمة وروتينه القاتل، بل وعن غباء بعض المتنفذين فيها.
فالقسم الثاني احتوى في معظمه على تجربة الكاتب الشخصية في هذه الفترة من حياته؛ وربما يشفع له أن عنوان كتابه الفرعي "قصة تخمين علمي"، ربما يشفعُ له هذا العنوانُ هذه السلبيةِ، فهو يريد أن يحدثنا عن قصة. لكن المشكلة لم تتوقف هنا، فعلى العكس من الفصل الأول، لم يذلل الكاتب للقارئ الصعوبات والأفكار العلمية التي طرحها، فتخيل أن تقرأ عن الكوانتية الحلقية والهندسة اللاتبادلية!
لقد كان القسم الثاني على قلة كمية المعلومات فيه صعباً ما اضطرني مجبراً إلى البحث شخصياً عن هذه المفاهيم لاستيعابها، واضطرني ملولاً إلى متابعة قراءة الكتاب حتى الصفحة الأخيرة.
باختصار، وُفِق الكاتب في القسم الأول وواجهه سوء الطالع في القسم الثاني، فإن لم تكن من محبي الفيزياء أو الفلك فلا أعتقد أن الكتاب سيروق لك.
لكن، ولأذكر بعد هذا الانتقاد المطول إيجابيةً لمستها منذ الصفحة الأولى، هي لغة الكاتب الجزلة وقدرة المترجم على نقلها إلى روح العربية بنجاح. لقد أعجبتني هذه النقطة الذي تفتقر إليها الكتب العلمية ذات الأسلوب الجاف...
أنصح به لمحبي الفيزياء...
September 24, 2015
يتناول الكاتب فى الجزء الاول تفسير النظرية النسبية لاينشتاين والتى تقوم على اساس ان سرعة الضوء ثابته ,كما انها الحد الكونى اى لا يمكن تجاوز سرعة الضوء
وفسر اينشتاين ذلك بان كلما زادت سرعة الجسم ,زادت كتلته وبالمثل تزيد القوة المطلوبة للتأثيرعليه
وعند زيادة السرعة لتقارب سرعة الضوء تحتاج الى قوة لا نهائية لتحريك الجسم
كما اضافت النظرية النسبية انًا نعيش فى كون رباعى الابعاد ,ساكن ,وتؤثر فيه الجاذبية والتى هى انحناءات الزمكان ,حيث يتميز الفضاء بانحناءات تجبر الاجرام السماوية على السير فى مسارات بيضاوية ,وذلك مخالفة مع رؤية نيوتن بان الجاذبية هى قوة جذب للاجسام
اثبت العالم هابل ان الكون متحرك او متمدد ,حيث اخطأ اينشتاين فى اعتقاده بان الكون ثابت
بينما تقوم نظرية اسرع من سرعة الضوء بالتشكيك او عرض رؤية مخالفة عن نظرية اينشتاين ,ان الضوء ذو سرعة ثابته
حيث يعرض الكاتب فكرته ان الكون فى بدأنشأته ,اى بعد الانفجار واثناء تمدده شهد سرعة للضوء اسرع من تلك التى نشهدها الان وشبه ذلك بان الكون كان اشبه بالماء الذى يتحول من صورة سائلة الى اخرى متجمدة,حيث مر الكون بحالة مشابهه عبر فيها الكون المتوسع درجة حرارة متجمدة كان الضوء فوقها اسرع بكثير ومن ثم حالة سائلة كان اسفل منها متبلور الى الضوء الجليدى الذى نشهده الان
كانت تلك احدى الاحتمالات التى تعبر عنها النظرية
الجدير بالذكر ان تلك النظرية لم تثبت صحتها او خطأها حتى صدور الكتاب ومازال البحث جارى لاثباتها بصورة نهائية
اما اذا ثبت عدم صحتها ,فالكاتب يوضح انه لن يندم على الاطلاق لان ولوج متاهات العلم هو ما يجعله جدير بالمتعة
وفسر اينشتاين ذلك بان كلما زادت سرعة الجسم ,زادت كتلته وبالمثل تزيد القوة المطلوبة للتأثيرعليه
وعند زيادة السرعة لتقارب سرعة الضوء تحتاج الى قوة لا نهائية لتحريك الجسم
كما اضافت النظرية النسبية انًا نعيش فى كون رباعى الابعاد ,ساكن ,وتؤثر فيه الجاذبية والتى هى انحناءات الزمكان ,حيث يتميز الفضاء بانحناءات تجبر الاجرام السماوية على السير فى مسارات بيضاوية ,وذلك مخالفة مع رؤية نيوتن بان الجاذبية هى قوة جذب للاجسام
اثبت العالم هابل ان الكون متحرك او متمدد ,حيث اخطأ اينشتاين فى اعتقاده بان الكون ثابت
بينما تقوم نظرية اسرع من سرعة الضوء بالتشكيك او عرض رؤية مخالفة عن نظرية اينشتاين ,ان الضوء ذو سرعة ثابته
حيث يعرض الكاتب فكرته ان الكون فى بدأنشأته ,اى بعد الانفجار واثناء تمدده شهد سرعة للضوء اسرع من تلك التى نشهدها الان وشبه ذلك بان الكون كان اشبه بالماء الذى يتحول من صورة سائلة الى اخرى متجمدة,حيث مر الكون بحالة مشابهه عبر فيها الكون المتوسع درجة حرارة متجمدة كان الضوء فوقها اسرع بكثير ومن ثم حالة سائلة كان اسفل منها متبلور الى الضوء الجليدى الذى نشهده الان
كانت تلك احدى الاحتمالات التى تعبر عنها النظرية
الجدير بالذكر ان تلك النظرية لم تثبت صحتها او خطأها حتى صدور الكتاب ومازال البحث جارى لاثباتها بصورة نهائية
اما اذا ثبت عدم صحتها ,فالكاتب يوضح انه لن يندم على الاطلاق لان ولوج متاهات العلم هو ما يجعله جدير بالمتعة
June 14, 2015
هل يوجد شيء أسرع من سرعة الضوء ؟ هل سرعة الضوء ثابتة منذ النشأة الأولى واللحظات الأولى للإنفجار العظيم ؟
في هذا المشروع البحثي الذي يحتويه هذا الكتاب ، محاولة لإيجاد حل للمشاكل التي واجهت النظرية النسبية العامة،مشكلة الأفق ومشكلة الكون المتجانس ، ومشكلة الثقالة الكمومية ، هل سرعة الضوء ثابتة كما أخبرناآينشتاين نظريته النسبية الخاصة، نجح جواو من خلال افتراض أن سرعة الضوء كان ثابتة ولكن ليست كما نعرفها الآن بأنها تساوي 186ألف ميل\ثانية بل كانت أكثر من ذلك في لحظة معينة في بداية الإنفجار الكوني قبل ما يُسمى بوقت بلانك بحل مشكلة الأفق ومشكلة التجانس الكوني ، ولكنه اصطدم بمشكلة الثقالة الكمومية ، ولكنه أحرز تقدماً نوعاً ما في علم فيزياء الكون على الأقل حرر تفكير العلماء قليلاً من تبعات النسبية .
هي تخمين فيزيائي قد يكون صحيح وقد لا يكون ولكنه بالتأكيد كان خطوة على الطريق الصحيح .
بروفيسور جواو أنت رائع استمعت بكتابك كثيراً .
في هذا المشروع البحثي الذي يحتويه هذا الكتاب ، محاولة لإيجاد حل للمشاكل التي واجهت النظرية النسبية العامة،مشكلة الأفق ومشكلة الكون المتجانس ، ومشكلة الثقالة الكمومية ، هل سرعة الضوء ثابتة كما أخبرناآينشتاين نظريته النسبية الخاصة، نجح جواو من خلال افتراض أن سرعة الضوء كان ثابتة ولكن ليست كما نعرفها الآن بأنها تساوي 186ألف ميل\ثانية بل كانت أكثر من ذلك في لحظة معينة في بداية الإنفجار الكوني قبل ما يُسمى بوقت بلانك بحل مشكلة الأفق ومشكلة التجانس الكوني ، ولكنه اصطدم بمشكلة الثقالة الكمومية ، ولكنه أحرز تقدماً نوعاً ما في علم فيزياء الكون على الأقل حرر تفكير العلماء قليلاً من تبعات النسبية .
هي تخمين فيزيائي قد يكون صحيح وقد لا يكون ولكنه بالتأكيد كان خطوة على الطريق الصحيح .
بروفيسور جواو أنت رائع استمعت بكتابك كثيراً .
June 10, 2015
بهذا الكتاب يطرح كاتبه قصة نظريته
و قد بذل مجهود كبير في تحويل ابحاث�� و دراساته الى لغة يمكن لنا نحن غير المتخصصين ان نفهم العديد من جوانبها
جميل ترتيب الكتاب حيث بدأ بسرد شرح بسيط عن النسبية و نظرية الانفجار التوسعي ثم ذهب يسرد رحلته مع النظرية
وجدت صعوبة ببعض الفصول التي تتحدث عن الفيزياء ..لاني من اربع سنين لم ادخل عالم الفيزياء والكونيات و ليس لي ادنى معرفة فيها قبل ذلك
الكتاب اشعل فتيل جمال علم الفيزياء التي كنت لا احبها في ايام المدرسة
وجميل من الكاتب ان كتب عن المؤسسة التعليمية هناك و سلبياتها و بعض المعوقات فيها, و جمود عقلية بعض العلماء الكبار و سخريتهم من الجديد
الاسلوب الروائي للكاتب جعل الكتاب رحلة جميلة .حتى لو لم نفهم العديد من الفقرات الفيزيائية .
October 21, 2024
Fun to read a book by a guy I am applying to for a PhD. It’s nice to see a story so comfortable with the uncertainty of science. This is also probably the popular science book I have found the most genuinely hilarious.
Variable Speed of Light theories come in many shapes and forms. The main reason for Magueijo coming up with his initial thoughts was as a rival to inflation. If the speed of light was faster back then, then regions considered causally-disconnected with our current value of c would be causally connected. This solves the horizon problem. Additionally, the flatness and homogeneity problems are solved by c-dot/c terms causing locally and globally anti-de Sitter regions to be regions of energy generation (bringing energy density up to the critical density), and de Sitter regions to be those of energy annihilation (bringing energy down to critical density). The Cosmological Constant problem is also potentially solved, by the vacuum energy being converted to regular matter.
I am quite fascinated by VSL, since it is one of those things that can bring back Mach’s principle of the whole universe (global) effects having an effect on local physics. I guess I’m drawn to this because conformal gravity replaces dark matter with the linear and quadratic potential terms associated with the rest of the universe.
The Kaluza-Klein formulation is quite interesting. The time variation of c in 3-space is a projection effect, where the higher dimensional c is what is preserved.
VSL can maintain Lorentz invariance by separating the speed of light from that of the graviton. VSL can also be formulated in a non-Lorentz invariant fashion by considering nonlinear transformation laws.
There is also the potential for color-dependent VSL, which is that higher frequency energy would “see” the quantization of spacetime (non-commutative geometries) and thus move faster by skipping along. Mannheim also discussed something similar with me, when he said that light does not follow null geodesics, since curvature effects become important and there is a frequency dependence. Not sure exactly how these relate, but I do see a connection.
Quite cool that fine structure constant variations could be a sign of VSL, or that something else is varying, like electron charge. High energy cosmic rays would be cool too. And potential changes in c in the high energy environments of black holes, and the early universe.
Doubly Special Relativity, is also a unique and interesting connection to quantum gravity, in order to keep some consistency with what is Planck scale and what is not.
Variable Speed of Light theories come in many shapes and forms. The main reason for Magueijo coming up with his initial thoughts was as a rival to inflation. If the speed of light was faster back then, then regions considered causally-disconnected with our current value of c would be causally connected. This solves the horizon problem. Additionally, the flatness and homogeneity problems are solved by c-dot/c terms causing locally and globally anti-de Sitter regions to be regions of energy generation (bringing energy density up to the critical density), and de Sitter regions to be those of energy annihilation (bringing energy down to critical density). The Cosmological Constant problem is also potentially solved, by the vacuum energy being converted to regular matter.
I am quite fascinated by VSL, since it is one of those things that can bring back Mach’s principle of the whole universe (global) effects having an effect on local physics. I guess I’m drawn to this because conformal gravity replaces dark matter with the linear and quadratic potential terms associated with the rest of the universe.
The Kaluza-Klein formulation is quite interesting. The time variation of c in 3-space is a projection effect, where the higher dimensional c is what is preserved.
VSL can maintain Lorentz invariance by separating the speed of light from that of the graviton. VSL can also be formulated in a non-Lorentz invariant fashion by considering nonlinear transformation laws.
There is also the potential for color-dependent VSL, which is that higher frequency energy would “see” the quantization of spacetime (non-commutative geometries) and thus move faster by skipping along. Mannheim also discussed something similar with me, when he said that light does not follow null geodesics, since curvature effects become important and there is a frequency dependence. Not sure exactly how these relate, but I do see a connection.
Quite cool that fine structure constant variations could be a sign of VSL, or that something else is varying, like electron charge. High energy cosmic rays would be cool too. And potential changes in c in the high energy environments of black holes, and the early universe.
Doubly Special Relativity, is also a unique and interesting connection to quantum gravity, in order to keep some consistency with what is Planck scale and what is not.
February 20, 2014
Personal & Spiritual Journey of a Cosmologist in the Discovery of VSL Theory
This is a fascinating story of a young cosmologist who dared to challenge Einstein's most sacred laws of physics; the speed of light in vacuum is a universal constant. In human experience; space and time are perceived as universally rigid, but Einstein proposed that space & time; space-time could expand or contract but speed of light remains unchanged. On occasions many physicists have wondered, and debated that Varying Speed of Light (VSL) is an alternative explanation to inflation theory. A notable proponent is John Moffat who first expressed this idea to none other than father of relativity himself. Einstein responded by saying that "Every individual has to retain his way of thinking if he does not want to get lost in the maze of possibilities. However, nobody is sure of having taken the right road.... myself least of all." At another instance, Einstein said that "We are standing in front of a closed box which cannot open, and we try to discuss what is inside and what is not." The idea of VSL proposed by this author is not new, but he is one of those who made the theory a little more mainstream in physics. The first half of the book (chapter 2 - 6) discusses the current cosmological problems and inflation theory in layman terms, and in the second half, the author discusses his personal struggles in the pursuit of his controversial theory. He unleashes his mind and heart on any thing that matters; scientific bureaucracy, peer reviewing process, research-grant award mechanism, science administrators, and fellow scientists. The academic rat race is vividly explained along with his leftist and liberal leanings on political and social issues. He expresses cynicism against American and Russian scientists; a reflection of British educational system which refuses to forget 1776 and uncomfortable to admit scientific and technical superiority of another country.
The horizon effect of earth is due to its curvature, but the horizon of the universe is due to two factors; a definite age of the universe (13.7 billion years) and speed of light is constant. A consequence of this is when the universe was one second old, when it is known to have started expanding; the radius of the horizon was 300,000 kilometers. This suggests that the universe at its infancy had regions that did not have direct contact with each other, and thus can not explain the observed homogeneity of the universe (horizon problem). The second puzzle in cosmology is the flatness problem; the fate of the universe due to the dynamics of expansion, which results in three possible shapes; spherical, hyper-spherical (saddle shaped), and flat surface. When forces of expansion and gravity of the universe are matched, then the universe will neither collapse in a crunch nor does it expand endlessly leaving the universe in dark vacuum. This balanced state of the universe is highly unstable because the two opposing forces are nearly matched, when the natural tendency is that either the force of expansion or gravity takes control of the universe to increase entropy (Second law of Thermodynamics). This seemingly peculiar state of the universe is not clearly explained by the current cosmological models which call for a reexamination and perhaps reconsideration of existing theories.
VSL Model; at critical density of the universe, the density of matter that produces gravitational energy is equal to the density of matter producing expansion. In a closed universe (spherical shape), the mass density is above critical density, therefore gravitation supersedes; simultaneously the energy is lost due to a decrease in the speed of light under VSL model (correspondingly mass also decreases since E = MC(2)). Similarly for an open universe, energy is created (correspondingly mass also increases) from vacuum in the wake of expansion from an increase in the speed of light. Thus the universe gravitates to a flat universe in both closed and open situations but violating law of energy conservation (First law of Thermodynamics), because the total energy of the universe did not remain constant. VSL also explains the horizon problem. In VSL model; regions of the universe, which are denser will loss energy, whereas energy will be created in a sparse regions of the universe thereby maintaining homogeneity.
One of the properties of the cosmological constant is that vacuum energy is not diluted by expansion in contrast to matter and radiation. It is gravitationally repulsive and the energy density remains constant upon dilution: Expansion dilutes the lambda energy, but tension created by expansion makes up for the energy dilution thus balancing the power of expansion and gravity and thus keeping the universe flat. Hence vacuum energy theoretically must dominate the universe during expansion, but VSL model suppresses that by converting vacuum energy into matter. Other predictions of VSL include that near black holes the speed of light is zero at the horizon, and it also predicts in an eternal universe with no beginning and no end. Since the cosmic expansion is accelerating and cosmological constant lambda is responsible for slowing the speed of light since a sharp decrease in speed of light converts vacuum energy into ordinary matter and this result in conditions for new Big Bang. The cycle of new creation begins all over again.
The negative side of VSL is the violation of energy conservation, but it provides for converting vacuum energy into the matter. This model also favors infinite speed of light during Planck epoch in order to explain the horizon problem. It is proposed that the primordial speed of light would be 32 zeros added to the current value (an extreme scenario for the varying speed of light!). There are several versions of VSL including two alternatives from the authors work. Ultimately experimental evidence should favor one VSL model over all others. Although the author mainstreamed this theory in physics but his shabby literature search ignored the work of John Moffat who must get the credit for the discovery of VSL theory.
This is a fascinating story of a young cosmologist who dared to challenge Einstein's most sacred laws of physics; the speed of light in vacuum is a universal constant. In human experience; space and time are perceived as universally rigid, but Einstein proposed that space & time; space-time could expand or contract but speed of light remains unchanged. On occasions many physicists have wondered, and debated that Varying Speed of Light (VSL) is an alternative explanation to inflation theory. A notable proponent is John Moffat who first expressed this idea to none other than father of relativity himself. Einstein responded by saying that "Every individual has to retain his way of thinking if he does not want to get lost in the maze of possibilities. However, nobody is sure of having taken the right road.... myself least of all." At another instance, Einstein said that "We are standing in front of a closed box which cannot open, and we try to discuss what is inside and what is not." The idea of VSL proposed by this author is not new, but he is one of those who made the theory a little more mainstream in physics. The first half of the book (chapter 2 - 6) discusses the current cosmological problems and inflation theory in layman terms, and in the second half, the author discusses his personal struggles in the pursuit of his controversial theory. He unleashes his mind and heart on any thing that matters; scientific bureaucracy, peer reviewing process, research-grant award mechanism, science administrators, and fellow scientists. The academic rat race is vividly explained along with his leftist and liberal leanings on political and social issues. He expresses cynicism against American and Russian scientists; a reflection of British educational system which refuses to forget 1776 and uncomfortable to admit scientific and technical superiority of another country.
The horizon effect of earth is due to its curvature, but the horizon of the universe is due to two factors; a definite age of the universe (13.7 billion years) and speed of light is constant. A consequence of this is when the universe was one second old, when it is known to have started expanding; the radius of the horizon was 300,000 kilometers. This suggests that the universe at its infancy had regions that did not have direct contact with each other, and thus can not explain the observed homogeneity of the universe (horizon problem). The second puzzle in cosmology is the flatness problem; the fate of the universe due to the dynamics of expansion, which results in three possible shapes; spherical, hyper-spherical (saddle shaped), and flat surface. When forces of expansion and gravity of the universe are matched, then the universe will neither collapse in a crunch nor does it expand endlessly leaving the universe in dark vacuum. This balanced state of the universe is highly unstable because the two opposing forces are nearly matched, when the natural tendency is that either the force of expansion or gravity takes control of the universe to increase entropy (Second law of Thermodynamics). This seemingly peculiar state of the universe is not clearly explained by the current cosmological models which call for a reexamination and perhaps reconsideration of existing theories.
VSL Model; at critical density of the universe, the density of matter that produces gravitational energy is equal to the density of matter producing expansion. In a closed universe (spherical shape), the mass density is above critical density, therefore gravitation supersedes; simultaneously the energy is lost due to a decrease in the speed of light under VSL model (correspondingly mass also decreases since E = MC(2)). Similarly for an open universe, energy is created (correspondingly mass also increases) from vacuum in the wake of expansion from an increase in the speed of light. Thus the universe gravitates to a flat universe in both closed and open situations but violating law of energy conservation (First law of Thermodynamics), because the total energy of the universe did not remain constant. VSL also explains the horizon problem. In VSL model; regions of the universe, which are denser will loss energy, whereas energy will be created in a sparse regions of the universe thereby maintaining homogeneity.
One of the properties of the cosmological constant is that vacuum energy is not diluted by expansion in contrast to matter and radiation. It is gravitationally repulsive and the energy density remains constant upon dilution: Expansion dilutes the lambda energy, but tension created by expansion makes up for the energy dilution thus balancing the power of expansion and gravity and thus keeping the universe flat. Hence vacuum energy theoretically must dominate the universe during expansion, but VSL model suppresses that by converting vacuum energy into matter. Other predictions of VSL include that near black holes the speed of light is zero at the horizon, and it also predicts in an eternal universe with no beginning and no end. Since the cosmic expansion is accelerating and cosmological constant lambda is responsible for slowing the speed of light since a sharp decrease in speed of light converts vacuum energy into ordinary matter and this result in conditions for new Big Bang. The cycle of new creation begins all over again.
The negative side of VSL is the violation of energy conservation, but it provides for converting vacuum energy into the matter. This model also favors infinite speed of light during Planck epoch in order to explain the horizon problem. It is proposed that the primordial speed of light would be 32 zeros added to the current value (an extreme scenario for the varying speed of light!). There are several versions of VSL including two alternatives from the authors work. Ultimately experimental evidence should favor one VSL model over all others. Although the author mainstreamed this theory in physics but his shabby literature search ignored the work of John Moffat who must get the credit for the discovery of VSL theory.
Read
March 27, 2017عنوانه جذاب جدا وهذا ما دفعنى لشرائة
بالنسبة للفصل الأول فهو يعتبر مقدمة عن حياته وأن أزاى النظرية اللى بيطرحها أتعرض بسببها للسخرية فصل مكنش مهم أوى بالنسبالى.
بالنسبة للفصل التانى فهو مذهل بمعنى الكلمة كنت بقرا فقرة وأعد أتخيل اللى قاله ده، وقدرت بسببه أستوعب أجزاء كتير مكنتش فهمها فى نظرية النسبية وقدر يبسطها باكثر من مثال ومن كذا جانب
بالنسبة لباقى الفصول، التوهان كان عنوانى، الكتاب محتاج حد متخصص فى المجال عشان يعرف يفهم الكتاب كويس، فى أفكار كتير وقعت منى وأكيد هحتاج اقراه ما مرة
بالنسبة للفصل الأول فهو يعتبر مقدمة عن حياته وأن أزاى النظرية اللى بيطرحها أتعرض بسببها للسخرية فصل مكنش مهم أوى بالنسبالى.
بالنسبة للفصل التانى فهو مذهل بمعنى الكلمة كنت بقرا فقرة وأعد أتخيل اللى قاله ده، وقدرت بسببه أستوعب أجزاء كتير مكنتش فهمها فى نظرية النسبية وقدر يبسطها باكثر من مثال ومن كذا جانب
بالنسبة لباقى الفصول، التوهان كان عنوانى، الكتاب محتاج حد متخصص فى المجال عشان يعرف يفهم الكتاب كويس، فى أفكار كتير وقعت منى وأكيد هحتاج اقراه ما مرة
August 17, 2010
Not an easy book, but extremely interesting. How a portuguese scientist questions one of the biggest names in science, if not the biggest!
One of the best books in the subject and very well recognized by the scientific community.
One of the best books in the subject and very well recognized by the scientific community.
July 13, 2019
Could not finish the book, it was horrible reading.
Most of the pages are filled with grumbling about life, college, how silly other scientists were and "tons of paperwork".
Most of the pages are filled with grumbling about life, college, how silly other scientists were and "tons of paperwork".
July 27, 2019
The speed of light in a vacuum is supposed to be constant in all time frames. That is the basis of the theory of relativity. Joao Magueijo is a theoretical physicist that supports the Variable Speed of Light (VSL) theory in this book. While the book is not about the theory itself, he does talk a lot about various aspects of cosmology to provide some background.
So if the book is not about the theory itself, then what is it about? Faster Than the Speed of Light focuses on the bias of scientists and how difficult it is to introduce a dissenting theory. I imagine it would help if there was an experiment that a scientist could conduct to verify this theory, but if he mentions it in the book, I didn’t get that far.
Basically, scientists have evidence that the Big Bang was the founding event of the universe as we know it. This is something that we all agree on, there is the Cosmic Background Microwave Radiation to back it up and there is the redshifting of the galaxies in the sky. So the idea is that space itself is expanding. However, in the early years of the universe, it is thought that the universe was opaque while the particles and matter cooled down to a state that light could travel through. So it was theorized that the universe underwent a period of rapid expansion. So Magueijo postulates that his VSL theory would solve some intractable problems in physics, and bring about a Grand Unified Theory.
Even when I picked up this book, I didn’t expect this to be covered. From the title, I assumed it was going to talk about a theoretical method of time travel or maybe it would cover the Tachyon. I didn’t particularly like this book. It isn’t that the book isn’t charming, or that it doesn’t have any British Wit. No, the main problem is that he talks about how this theory is supposed to solve everything but doesn’t show what he’s talking about. It is more of a memoir than anything else since it mainly focuses on the history of the VSL theory. It sort of gets into science by talking about a dream that Einstein had about cows.
I do understand in one sense; even though Einstein has become a household name and everyone is familiar with him, he was still a human being prone to making mistakes. So if this theory does hold water in some ways, then what is the problem? Maybe it is a generation too early. I mean, how much energy are we talking about when we need to see light have a different value for c? So in that sense, the book was frustrating. He never gets to the point and I couldn’t get into it.
So if the book is not about the theory itself, then what is it about? Faster Than the Speed of Light focuses on the bias of scientists and how difficult it is to introduce a dissenting theory. I imagine it would help if there was an experiment that a scientist could conduct to verify this theory, but if he mentions it in the book, I didn’t get that far.
Basically, scientists have evidence that the Big Bang was the founding event of the universe as we know it. This is something that we all agree on, there is the Cosmic Background Microwave Radiation to back it up and there is the redshifting of the galaxies in the sky. So the idea is that space itself is expanding. However, in the early years of the universe, it is thought that the universe was opaque while the particles and matter cooled down to a state that light could travel through. So it was theorized that the universe underwent a period of rapid expansion. So Magueijo postulates that his VSL theory would solve some intractable problems in physics, and bring about a Grand Unified Theory.
Even when I picked up this book, I didn’t expect this to be covered. From the title, I assumed it was going to talk about a theoretical method of time travel or maybe it would cover the Tachyon. I didn’t particularly like this book. It isn’t that the book isn’t charming, or that it doesn’t have any British Wit. No, the main problem is that he talks about how this theory is supposed to solve everything but doesn’t show what he’s talking about. It is more of a memoir than anything else since it mainly focuses on the history of the VSL theory. It sort of gets into science by talking about a dream that Einstein had about cows.
I do understand in one sense; even though Einstein has become a household name and everyone is familiar with him, he was still a human being prone to making mistakes. So if this theory does hold water in some ways, then what is the problem? Maybe it is a generation too early. I mean, how much energy are we talking about when we need to see light have a different value for c? So in that sense, the book was frustrating. He never gets to the point and I couldn’t get into it.
December 20, 2022
I picked up 'Faster' in a little bookstore in Prescott Arizona. I have found so many great physics books I would have never otherwise found at Barnes and Noble, and you can add 'Faster' to the list.
And I loved it for all the wrong reasons. I thought the book would give me insights about how to hitch a ride in a faster-than-light-speed spaceship and arrive in far-flung galaxies without having the time dilation problem and, better, arriving quicker than ever possible.
As a writer about public policy, the book turned out to be about discovery and innovation. Joao provides numerous vignettes about getting from a to b, passionate debates of crazy ideas that just might be not so crazy, and the path from stuck to unstuck.
Public policy should be about discovery and innovation, but the process comes down to 'this is the way we are doing it, passing the legislation, then moving on to the next subject.
We have infallible popes instead of creative Joao's seeking solutions that need testing, and the fidelity to data that shows success and a path forward, or failure and a restart.
I did enjoy obtaining the inside story about VSL and inflation, but also enjoyed the thinking that he and his peers put into laying the foundation for VSL and future potential for testing.
If any readers work on public policy, 'Faster' is a great tutorial on how to think about how to think.
And I loved it for all the wrong reasons. I thought the book would give me insights about how to hitch a ride in a faster-than-light-speed spaceship and arrive in far-flung galaxies without having the time dilation problem and, better, arriving quicker than ever possible.
As a writer about public policy, the book turned out to be about discovery and innovation. Joao provides numerous vignettes about getting from a to b, passionate debates of crazy ideas that just might be not so crazy, and the path from stuck to unstuck.
Public policy should be about discovery and innovation, but the process comes down to 'this is the way we are doing it, passing the legislation, then moving on to the next subject.
We have infallible popes instead of creative Joao's seeking solutions that need testing, and the fidelity to data that shows success and a path forward, or failure and a restart.
I did enjoy obtaining the inside story about VSL and inflation, but also enjoyed the thinking that he and his peers put into laying the foundation for VSL and future potential for testing.
If any readers work on public policy, 'Faster' is a great tutorial on how to think about how to think.
December 30, 2021
This book is more of a hate-filled rant by the author against the scientific establishment, fellow physicists and university administrators, rather than a deep discussion, exploration and explanation of physics. After finishing this book on the theory or hypothesis of ‘varying speed of light’, I can honestly say that I have no idea what VSL is. I have read the theories of Einstein (special and general relativity) and Alan Guth (inflation theory) and have a layman’s understanding of them. Magueijo wants to supplant these dominant theories with his own, VSL, but to this reader, Magueijo has presented his idea so poorly and bitterly that he fails miserably to do so, even in layman’s terms. Less rage, less ego, less gutter humor, and more scientific explanation, that is what this book is in need of. Einstein and Guth still rule.
May 25, 2020
Mostly divulgative doesn't really get into the physics even for a divulgation book, however this book is the thing that got me into physics, I don't actually like the theory anymore but it holds a special place in my heart since it's the thing that made me go from engineering to physics
January 28, 2025
great read. half pop science book half …memoir? thought it was a good explanation of einstein’s relativity and cosmology. interesting window into the sass of the physicist world. joão is a diva! funny. refreshing perspective on the joy of being a scientist
March 2, 2017
To Be Reread.
March 12, 2020
Used for research for my NEXT TIME triology
May 7, 2020
Really interesting for the fresh physics presented and for the approach to bureaucracy around science and scientists.
January 17, 2021
This book is a fascinating (and funny) exploration into a challenge of Einstein's cosmological constant.
January 19, 2021
عبارة عن سيرة حياة الكاتب اكثر منه شرح لنظرية VSL
August 9, 2024
Concise narrative. Mathematics kept to a minimum. A charming and enjoyable wit and sense of humor throughout.
March 5, 2015
Ok, so this book was extremely challenging, and, thus, I am extremely proud of myself for making it through the whole thing. The physics in this book was definitely difficult to comprehend fully. Going in, I hoped that because I am a generally science-minded person and took physics in college, it wouldn't be too bad. I'm sure if the subject matter had overlapped, that would have helped. However, this is definitely not general physics. It's not motion and forces and the arc of a thrown baseball. It is the physics of the universe as a whole.
Here, I must give the author a great deal of credit. He explained some extremely difficult and meta concepts in a very down-to-earth, fairly easy to grasp with a little work manner. For the first time, I actually feel like I understand relativity. Even cosmic rays and the shape and expansion of the universe as a whole seem much easier to conceptualize. The author, thankfully, spent a great deal of time explaining base cosmology concepts fully - he even used cows and pictures! Not gonna lie, that part was really nice and was actually very useful. At the same time, the farther into the book one traveled, the new concepts he introduced received less and less explanation. So, those concepts became much more difficult to comprehend. As soon as he arrived at the discussion of multiple dimensions and string, loop, and M-theory I definitely started to lose him a bit. However, these concepts were less relevant to the overall focus of the book, so I fully understand why he spent less time explaining them.
One of my favorite things about this book, though, was the author's hysterical personality. Some of the other reviewers touted this as a negative, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I even texted my friends various quotes that were just too hysterical not to share. Yes, the author is exceptionally anti-establishment and makes it known, but his humor is off the wall. Some of the analogies he uses or his rants were so stellar and random and out there I found myself bursting out laughing. As much as this is not the normal tone of non-fiction, academic books, I appreciated it in this case because the purpose of this book was not to teach physics concepts but to relay the story of this person's own theory. Thus, his personality and life are a part of the story. I felt like I definitely gained a good sense of the author and his own personal voice.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about physics and cosmology. While it is not the most accessible thing I've ever read, it is definitely understandable if you go in willing to put in a little effort to fully comprehend what is being said. It's worth the work. Having finished the book, it was challenging and by the end I was ready for it to be finished, but I am also happy I read it and do feel like I have a much greater sense of modern cosmology. If anyone ever brings this subject up at a holiday/work/cocktail party, I will be fully prepared to wow them all with my knowledge!
Here, I must give the author a great deal of credit. He explained some extremely difficult and meta concepts in a very down-to-earth, fairly easy to grasp with a little work manner. For the first time, I actually feel like I understand relativity. Even cosmic rays and the shape and expansion of the universe as a whole seem much easier to conceptualize. The author, thankfully, spent a great deal of time explaining base cosmology concepts fully - he even used cows and pictures! Not gonna lie, that part was really nice and was actually very useful. At the same time, the farther into the book one traveled, the new concepts he introduced received less and less explanation. So, those concepts became much more difficult to comprehend. As soon as he arrived at the discussion of multiple dimensions and string, loop, and M-theory I definitely started to lose him a bit. However, these concepts were less relevant to the overall focus of the book, so I fully understand why he spent less time explaining them.
One of my favorite things about this book, though, was the author's hysterical personality. Some of the other reviewers touted this as a negative, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I even texted my friends various quotes that were just too hysterical not to share. Yes, the author is exceptionally anti-establishment and makes it known, but his humor is off the wall. Some of the analogies he uses or his rants were so stellar and random and out there I found myself bursting out laughing. As much as this is not the normal tone of non-fiction, academic books, I appreciated it in this case because the purpose of this book was not to teach physics concepts but to relay the story of this person's own theory. Thus, his personality and life are a part of the story. I felt like I definitely gained a good sense of the author and his own personal voice.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about physics and cosmology. While it is not the most accessible thing I've ever read, it is definitely understandable if you go in willing to put in a little effort to fully comprehend what is being said. It's worth the work. Having finished the book, it was challenging and by the end I was ready for it to be finished, but I am also happy I read it and do feel like I have a much greater sense of modern cosmology. If anyone ever brings this subject up at a holiday/work/cocktail party, I will be fully prepared to wow them all with my knowledge!
January 15, 2008
I love reading about advances in theoretical physics but it has to be a book by someone who can interpret this difficult and sometimes arcane subject for the layman. Joao Magueijo is such an author and he combines his training and research with great skill writing in a layman friendly way, and even combines a fair bit of insider stuff and humour about the world of theoretical physics.
In particular, he gives a nice overview of the problems and discoveries in theoretical physics from Newton until the present. Much of it focuses upon discoveries in the 20th century made by Einstein and his peers. The focus of the book is the authors long-standing idea that many of the current roadblocks and current problems physicists struggle with today might be explained if we realize that in fact the speed of light has not always been constant, and may not be constant even now under certain very special circumstances. The implications of this idea towards the goal of unification of the various forces into one grand design are profound.
It also suggests that in fact, we may be able to travel faster than light under special circumstances such as pathways adjacent to cosmic strings where the laws of physics are different. Inter-galactic travel may eventually be possible after all within human lifetime if he is correct.
We learn a great deal about the author and his love of Science from an early age.He is an original thinker who struggled for many years with sharing this insight about the speed of light as if flies in the face of several essential givens in physics. I read this book in two days and was sorry to finish. It has enough Science to engage and explain but not so much to drown us. The author uses metaphors and stories to illustrate Scientific points and this helps us make sense of the formulae.
I recommend this book highly if you love Science, Theoretical physics, Cosmology, as well as the inevitable politics and scuttlebutt in the world of Science.
Malcolm Watts 2006
Malcolm Watts is a novelist, writer, photographer, reviewer. Visit his website at www.authorsden.com/malcolmwatts
In particular, he gives a nice overview of the problems and discoveries in theoretical physics from Newton until the present. Much of it focuses upon discoveries in the 20th century made by Einstein and his peers. The focus of the book is the authors long-standing idea that many of the current roadblocks and current problems physicists struggle with today might be explained if we realize that in fact the speed of light has not always been constant, and may not be constant even now under certain very special circumstances. The implications of this idea towards the goal of unification of the various forces into one grand design are profound.
It also suggests that in fact, we may be able to travel faster than light under special circumstances such as pathways adjacent to cosmic strings where the laws of physics are different. Inter-galactic travel may eventually be possible after all within human lifetime if he is correct.
We learn a great deal about the author and his love of Science from an early age.He is an original thinker who struggled for many years with sharing this insight about the speed of light as if flies in the face of several essential givens in physics. I read this book in two days and was sorry to finish. It has enough Science to engage and explain but not so much to drown us. The author uses metaphors and stories to illustrate Scientific points and this helps us make sense of the formulae.
I recommend this book highly if you love Science, Theoretical physics, Cosmology, as well as the inevitable politics and scuttlebutt in the world of Science.
Malcolm Watts 2006
Malcolm Watts is a novelist, writer, photographer, reviewer. Visit his website at www.authorsden.com/malcolmwatts
March 9, 2016
I was inspired to read FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF LIGHT after seeing a special on the Science Channel in which Joao Magueijo explained his theory about the speed of light not being constant. He developed the theory that light may have moved faster when the universe was created than it does now, as a way of explaining certain paradoxes about the "Big Bang" theory that have confounded cosmologists (scientists who study the origins of the universe--not to be confused with cosmetologists) for decades. Since this theory contradicts one of the long-held tenets of Einstein's special theory of relativity (that the speed of light is constant), Magueijo's work was widely pooh-poohed and he was called quite a few bad names for his efforts--as I recall, words like "moron" and "heretic" had been tossed about.
Needless to say, I was intrigued. I had to find out more.
See, once upon a time (so long ago, it seems like another lifetime), I studied physics and even took a course in relativity. In fact, the idea of studying cosmology--understanding how everything was created--seemed incredibly appealing. I was ultimately done in by the math. It just turned out not to be my thing. Words are my thing. I turned to them instead.
I approached this book with some trepidation, concerned that it would be far too technical for me to enjoy after lo these many years of not doing hard science. Turns out I had nothing to worry about, because this book is about more than just science. It's about the people who do the science: how they work; how they collaborate, clash and compete with one another; and the resistance they encounter from various quarters when they take their theories to the bleeding edge and explore strange and controversial new possibilities. In short, it's about the human drama associated with science, along with the theory Magueijo created.
See my complete review at http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2008/...
Needless to say, I was intrigued. I had to find out more.
See, once upon a time (so long ago, it seems like another lifetime), I studied physics and even took a course in relativity. In fact, the idea of studying cosmology--understanding how everything was created--seemed incredibly appealing. I was ultimately done in by the math. It just turned out not to be my thing. Words are my thing. I turned to them instead.
I approached this book with some trepidation, concerned that it would be far too technical for me to enjoy after lo these many years of not doing hard science. Turns out I had nothing to worry about, because this book is about more than just science. It's about the people who do the science: how they work; how they collaborate, clash and compete with one another; and the resistance they encounter from various quarters when they take their theories to the bleeding edge and explore strange and controversial new possibilities. In short, it's about the human drama associated with science, along with the theory Magueijo created.
See my complete review at http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2008/...
May 22, 2017
I'm not an expert on the subject but as an engineer I understand physics and mathematics behind it in general. I opted for engineering studies instead of physics which was my first choice because I had a feeling that physics seemed to be spinning in circles rather than progressing. It appeared to me as overwhelmed by an infatuation for following the lead of "beauty" in the equations which are supposed to be a tool. Also it does not relate to real world problems nowadays as much as it used to. I might have been right or wrong, it was just my view.
This book gave me another good insight into the current state of affairs in cosmology, which I appreciate. Second part is an intriguing outline of the prospects offered if one of the hard barriers in modern science, the speed of light, is allowed to vary under some circumstances, and explains where consequent mathematics has lead the authors. It opened up to them the world of possibilities, many of them beyond the technology available to many generations to come. Nevertheless, based on other books that I read I'm prone to believe that there may be a lot of wishful thinking in the theory, considering that we do not know why the speed of light is what it is and what else in the Universe must change if it changes. Nevertheless, science compels us to keep an open mind and I will be looking for news of any experimental feedback with interest.
I should note that especially second part of the book is really unconventionally written, exposing some drastic views and attitudes towards the scientific establishment and unusual, passionate language, which may turn away some of the readers or change their perspective of the worthiness and seriousness of the underlying material. Considering my own view of the status quo in modern physics, there is room for criticism but I do not approve of the manner used here.
This book gave me another good insight into the current state of affairs in cosmology, which I appreciate. Second part is an intriguing outline of the prospects offered if one of the hard barriers in modern science, the speed of light, is allowed to vary under some circumstances, and explains where consequent mathematics has lead the authors. It opened up to them the world of possibilities, many of them beyond the technology available to many generations to come. Nevertheless, based on other books that I read I'm prone to believe that there may be a lot of wishful thinking in the theory, considering that we do not know why the speed of light is what it is and what else in the Universe must change if it changes. Nevertheless, science compels us to keep an open mind and I will be looking for news of any experimental feedback with interest.
I should note that especially second part of the book is really unconventionally written, exposing some drastic views and attitudes towards the scientific establishment and unusual, passionate language, which may turn away some of the readers or change their perspective of the worthiness and seriousness of the underlying material. Considering my own view of the status quo in modern physics, there is room for criticism but I do not approve of the manner used here.
May 22, 2010
This is Magueijo's telling of how he dared to challenge Einstein on the constancy of the speed of light and confront physics by introducing a new Varying Speed of Light (VSL) theory. This is like breaking one of the ten commandments of physics, and his perseverance in the name of science is admirable. The background and details of the theory aren't too mathy and are conveyed in a manner that makes them accessible to the average reader, I'd say (though, I do have a background in physics, so perhaps I'm just out of touch with what the "average" reader might experience in this context). The main part of the story is not an explanation of the theory, itself, however; it's about the getting there, the "fumbling in the dark, trying and trying and more often than not failing spectacularly, but always being madly in love with your quest." Unfortunately, it's also about how incredibly dull a career in physics can be and how archaic the whole upper education system is with its red tape and its "academic departmental dinosaurs." Magueijo speaks liberally of his anarchist views and harshly criticizes the system at every turn. Though entertaining at first, I felt it became tedious and disruptive to the story. And though I am certainly not one to wince at the use of coarse language, I do feel his crass tone is at times inappropriate for a scientific read. On the one hand, it helps the reader to recognize that "hey, physicists are normal people, too," but on the other, it detracts somewhat from his scientific credibility. Ultimately, I enjoyed the story, and if you're looking for a semi-casual telling of a remarkable scientific journey, then I would highly recommend this book.
October 4, 2023
We always knew that VLS was true – Now the guts to write about it.
A redressing look at what many people thought but João Magueijo is willing to write a book on “Faster than the Speed of Light”.
The book does what many people wish other books would stick to the theory and not get too bogged down in proving it which requires a different language (math.)
What if light travels at a different speed at one time or maybe now?
The is an extensive index but no bibliography.
A redressing look at what many people thought but João Magueijo is willing to write a book on “Faster than the Speed of Light”.
The book does what many people wish other books would stick to the theory and not get too bogged down in proving it which requires a different language (math.)
What if light travels at a different speed at one time or maybe now?
The is an extensive index but no bibliography.
June 7, 2015
"مجنون ، دعك من هذا الهراء لا شيء أسرع من سرعة الضوء"
على الأقل لم يكن هذا تعليقي الاول ، انما كان اول تعليق سمعته حين رأى أحد أصدقائي الكتاب في يدي!
أما عني وبعد أن انهيت 85% من الكتاب
فأستطيع أن أقول لك قبل أن "تُجَنَّ" وتقرر أن تمسك هذا الكتاب
إن لم تستطع يوما أن تتخيل حياة عالم حقيقي في العمق ، فتخيلها هنا !
إن لم تستطع في يوم أن تفهم النسبيتان "الخاصة والعامة" ، فستفهمهما هنا !
وبكل تأكيد إن ظننت للحظة أن العلماء ملائكة ، فجرب حظك هنا !
على كل حال ليس هذا مهما جدا
الأهم ، إن ظننت حقا بأن هناك مسلمات انتهى بعدها عصر البحث والتدقيق وان خيالك سُيِّجَ بسياج فكر غيرك ، فإذن أنت في المكان الصحيح
"هنا" ببساطه داخل اعماق هذه الرحلة "القصة" العلمية لفرضية جميلة مشوقة
اما ان تطرقنا لفحوى الكتاب فقد قسم العالم جواو ماكيجو كتابه الى قسمين
عرض في القسم الاول شرحا مبسطا للنظريات المفسرة للأحداث والمعترف بها حاليا (الجاذبية ، النسبية ، نماذج فريدمان ، هابل والبيج بانج ، ونظرية الان كوث) ، ولم يغفل بطريقة أدبية جميلة أن يبين المشاكل "الاشكاليات" التي ما زال تفسيرها يحتوي على لبس بسيط "حسبما فهمت"
أما القسم الثاني ، فقد عرض فرضيته ووضحها ووضح اشكالياتها وعرضها بكل تواضع وبين انها لم تخضع للتجربة .
لن أطيل أكثر فالوصف لا يفي جمال العرض حقه ، خصوصا ان استطعت ان تنظر ليلا للسماء وتتخيل كل ما قاله.
ختاما ، ليس الكتاب بهذه البساطه فهو بحاجة في بعض المواضع الى توضيح وشرح حتى تفهمه (ان كنت من غير المطلعين سابقا على النظريات العلمية) ، ولكن حتى وان لم تتعلم علما فيزيائيا ، فلن تخلو تجربتك هذه من علم واثارة حياتيه تعلمك الصبر ثم الصبر ثم الصبر ، وان ظننت صبر أيوب حدك فكن أصبر من صبر أيوب ..
على الأقل لم يكن هذا تعليقي الاول ، انما كان اول تعليق سمعته حين رأى أحد أصدقائي الكتاب في يدي!
أما عني وبعد أن انهيت 85% من الكتاب
فأستطيع أن أقول لك قبل أن "تُجَنَّ" وتقرر أن تمسك هذا الكتاب
إن لم تستطع يوما أن تتخيل حياة عالم حقيقي في العمق ، فتخيلها هنا !
إن لم تستطع في يوم أن تفهم النسبيتان "الخاصة والعامة" ، فستفهمهما هنا !
وبكل تأكيد إن ظننت للحظة أن العلماء ملائكة ، فجرب حظك هنا !
على كل حال ليس هذا مهما جدا
الأهم ، إن ظننت حقا بأن هناك مسلمات انتهى بعدها عصر البحث والتدقيق وان خيالك سُيِّجَ بسياج فكر غيرك ، فإذن أنت في المكان الصحيح
"هنا" ببساطه داخل اعماق هذه الرحلة "القصة" العلمية لفرضية جميلة مشوقة
اما ان تطرقنا لفحوى الكتاب فقد قسم العالم جواو ماكيجو كتابه الى قسمين
عرض في القسم الاول شرحا مبسطا للنظريات المفسرة للأحداث والمعترف بها حاليا (الجاذبية ، النسبية ، نماذج فريدمان ، هابل والبيج بانج ، ونظرية الان كوث) ، ولم يغفل بطريقة أدبية جميلة أن يبين المشاكل "الاشكاليات" التي ما زال تفسيرها يحتوي على لبس بسيط "حسبما فهمت"
أما القسم الثاني ، فقد عرض فرضيته ووضحها ووضح اشكالياتها وعرضها بكل تواضع وبين انها لم تخضع للتجربة .
لن أطيل أكثر فالوصف لا يفي جمال العرض حقه ، خصوصا ان استطعت ان تنظر ليلا للسماء وتتخيل كل ما قاله.
ختاما ، ليس الكتاب بهذه البساطه فهو بحاجة في بعض المواضع الى توضيح وشرح حتى تفهمه (ان كنت من غير المطلعين سابقا على النظريات العلمية) ، ولكن حتى وان لم تتعلم علما فيزيائيا ، فلن تخلو تجربتك هذه من علم واثارة حياتيه تعلمك الصبر ثم الصبر ثم الصبر ، وان ظننت صبر أيوب حدك فكن أصبر من صبر أيوب ..
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