Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: ALESSANDRO TROIANO on 04/06/2008 20:48:33

Title: Can a powerful telescope see back in time?
Post by: ALESSANDRO TROIANO on 04/06/2008 20:48:33
Alessandro Troiano asked the Naked Scientists:
 
If I had an incredibly powerful telescope and and an incredibly fast spaceship, could I travel 45 light years away from Earth and use the telescope to look back at Dallas, TX to see if there really was someone on the grassy knoll on the day JFK was assassinated?
   
Alex Troiano
USA

What do you think?
Title: Can a powerful telescope see back in time?
Post by: that mad man on 04/06/2008 21:57:18
No, you would need a time machine to see that.

If you travelled 45 light years away and looked back you would see an earth in the future as time for you would slow down. If you returned you would also return to a future Earth, friends would be dead and you could meet any (as yet) unborn great grand children.

Title: Can a powerful telescope see back in time?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 04/06/2008 22:59:40
You would not be able to travel as fast as light, therefore light would always get there first. For that reason you would never be able to see anything that happened before your departure.

If, however, you were already 45 light years away when the event occurred, then after 45 years you would be able to see it if you had the equipment to do it.
Title: Can a powerful telescope see back in time?
Post by: turnipsock on 05/06/2008 00:41:53
If you look at a star, then what you see is already 'back in time'.
Title: Can a powerful telescope see back in time?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 05/06/2008 08:09:05
If you look at a star, then what you see is already 'back in time'.

The same as if you watch Bravo channel on Sky.  [:D]
Title: Can a powerful telescope see back in time?
Post by: qazibasit on 13/06/2008 14:16:43
no way time is not a joke or ppl would be looking back into their childhood.
Title: Can a powerful telescope see back in time?
Post by: lightarrow on 13/06/2008 19:27:14
Alessandro Troiano asked the Naked Scientists:
 
If I had an incredibly powerful telescope and and an incredibly fast spaceship, could I travel 45 light years away from Earth and use the telescope to look back at Dallas, TX to see if there really was someone on the grassy knoll on the day JFK was assassinated?
   
Alex Troiano
USA

What do you think?

No because whatever speed you go, the speed of light will be the same with respect to you.