Faster Than Light: Superluminal Loopholes in Physics by Nick Herbert

by Nick Herbert

"Even though most physicists believe that the speed of light is as fast as anyone can go, Einstein's theory of special relativity does not rule out faster-than-light (FTL) travel. On the contrary, it seems to indicate that certain superluminal or FTL effects would permit us to re-experience the time travel would become a reality, not science fiction. Through this crack in the cosmic egg steps Herbert, a Stanford physicist and author of Quantum Reality , who summarizes clearly current speculation and theory about faster-than-light travel. Along with space warps, black holes and tachyons (hypothetical FTL particles), he looks at the so-called 'quantum connection'—an alleged force said to instantaneously link any two subatomic particles long after they have bumped into each other. Free of the woolgathering that tints much writing on the 'new physics', this brave, exciting book should send scientists back to their drawing boards; for the nonspecialist reader, it reveals a world much stranger than Star Trek. "— Publishers Weekly"Original, challenging, and audacious."— San Diego Magazine

Genres: Science, Physics, Nonfiction

Mass Market Paperback

First published November 30, 1989

About the author

Nick Herbert (born September 7, 1936) is an American physicist and author.

Reviews

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What at first seemed impossible is shown by this book to actually be impossible, just like you thought it was. Everywhere there appears to be a possibility of sending messages faster than light, the laws of the universe step in to make certain such a thing will not happen. Sending such superluminal messages would necessarily, according to special relativity, also allow sending messages into the past, and the universe, apparently, doesn't like that idea and has strictly prohibited it. Time travel is also on the universe's list of no-nos, and from as much as I can gather, we will never veto these rules. But without the development of an ansible, I'm afraid, we are forever limited to buzzing around the earth, probably never venturing farther than the asteroid belt. Sorry.

It was a very interesting book, though! The author, more optimistic than I, still holds out hope for breaking communications through the light barrier. Maybe I can pre-order my ansible on Amazon.

[Mark Yashar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read read about 95% of this book about 5+ years ago. Then it sat on the shelf for 5+ years for some reason. I finally finished it yesterday.
I definitely read it at a sub-luminal pace :-)

Superluminal communication, superluminal travel, time travel? We're not there yet ,,,

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite book growing up, albeit a bit outdated now. Still, simple explanations and perfect at sparking imagination and wonder.

[Jessie Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information in this book is mind-blowing ! I will definitely read it again and again.