Difference between revisions of "Starlight problem"
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− | The '''starlight problem''', or '''starlight travel-time problem''', concerns the placement of stars at distances so far from Earth that starlight could not traverse that distance, at its current velocity, in less than the age of the universe. Yet the light has reached Earth anyway. | + | The '''starlight problem''', or '''starlight travel-time problem''', concerns the placement of stars at distances so far from Earth that starlight could not traverse that distance, at its current velocity, in less than the age of the universe. Yet the light has reached Earth anyway.The starlight problem is not in any conflict with the description in the [[Genesis|Book of Genesis]], which says, "let there be light, and there was light." It does not say, "let there be stars to generate light that can illuminate darkness," or "let there be light, and there was darkness that light later reached." |
− | + | ||
− | The starlight problem is not in any conflict with the description in the [[Genesis|Book of Genesis]], which says, "let there be light, and there was light." It does not say, "let there be stars to generate light that can illuminate darkness," or "let there be light, and there was darkness that light later reached." | + | |
There is no way to "date" the age of light observed in the sky. It is possible that the speed of light is not constant, but this is not part of current thought. It is also possible that the universe has expanded at a rate faster than the speed of light. | There is no way to "date" the age of light observed in the sky. It is possible that the speed of light is not constant, but this is not part of current thought. It is also possible that the universe has expanded at a rate faster than the speed of light. | ||
− | [[image:Crab composite cx.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Crab nebula | + | [[image:Crab composite cx.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Crab nebula== The size of the universe == |
− | + | The maximum distance that can be determined using parallax calcula.</ref> | |
− | == The size of the universe == | + | |
− | The maximum distance that can be determined using parallax | + | |
Calculations based on the observed brightness of [[supernova]]e of known energy output can determine the distance to more distant objects. The most distant object known is a galaxy cluster is estimated to be approximately thirteen billion light-years away from Earth, observed by the [[Hubble Telescope]] using gravitational lensing.<ref>Amos, 2004</ref> | Calculations based on the observed brightness of [[supernova]]e of known energy output can determine the distance to more distant objects. The most distant object known is a galaxy cluster is estimated to be approximately thirteen billion light-years away from Earth, observed by the [[Hubble Telescope]] using gravitational lensing.<ref>Amos, 2004</ref> | ||
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Although [[atheist]]s simplistically use the starlight problem to argue against a young Earth, the [[Big Bang theory]] has had difficulty in explaining its own light travel problem, known as the [[horizon problem]]. | Although [[atheist]]s simplistically use the starlight problem to argue against a young Earth, the [[Big Bang theory]] has had difficulty in explaining its own light travel problem, known as the [[horizon problem]]. | ||
− | The Big Bang model proposes that the temperature of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) would have varied considerably from place to place early in the universe, yet because the speed at which this radiation can disperse from hotter to colder parts of the universe is limited by the speed of light, there has not been enough time for the radiation to even out, yet observations today show it to be extremely uniform<ref name="Lisle">Lisle, 2003</ref> (with fluctuations at the part-per-million level<ref>[ | + | The Big Bang model proposes that the temperature of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) would have varied considerably from place to place early in the universe, yet because the speed at which this radiation can disperse from hotter to colder parts of the universe is limited by the speed of light, there has not been enough time for the radiation to even out, yet observations today show it to be extremely uniform<ref name="Lisle">Lisle, 2003</ref> (with fluctuations at the part-per-million level<ref>[hteach other? This is a light-travel–time problem.<ref name="Lisle" />}} |
− | + | ||
A number of solutions to this problem have been proposed, including several versions of an "inflationary model", in which space itself expanded faster than the speed of light early in the Big Bang, but ''after'' different areas exchanged radiation to even out the temperature. This model fits the data, as the CMB is only uniform at certain scales; over large enough areas anisotropies are visible in the field that match what one would expect from a rapidly expanding gas. However, there is no consensus on which explanation is correct, and each of the proposed solutions has its own problems.<ref name="Lisle" /> | A number of solutions to this problem have been proposed, including several versions of an "inflationary model", in which space itself expanded faster than the speed of light early in the Big Bang, but ''after'' different areas exchanged radiation to even out the temperature. This model fits the data, as the CMB is only uniform at certain scales; over large enough areas anisotropies are visible in the field that match what one would expect from a rapidly expanding gas. However, there is no consensus on which explanation is correct, and each of the proposed solutions has its own problems.<ref name="Lisle" /> | ||
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== Flaws in arguing for an old universe based on starlight == | == Flaws in arguing for an old universe based on starlight == | ||
− | The observation that many stars are millions of light years away is one of ''distance'', not ''time''. Since it takes light one year to travel a distance of one light year, it is possible to view an object as it was in the past, with the number of years in the past equal to the number | + | The observation that many stars are millions of light years away is one of ''distance'', not ''time''. Since it takes light one year to travel a distance of one light year, it is possible to view an object as it was in the past, with the number of years in the past equal to the number oflight years in distae. Some argue that the oldest objects visible today are gamma ray bursts over 13 billion light-years away,<ref>http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/news/4350/gamma-ray-burst-closest-yet-big-bang</ref> but if the universe is expanding then it should be possible to observe stars that are now actually much further away. |
=== Light created in transit === | === Light created in transit === | ||
− | As suggested by the "let there be light" verse in Genesis, God likely created light, not merely light sources. Accordingly, some observed light did not necessary travel from a distant star. This concept is generally accepted as an extension of the [[Omphalos hypothesis]], which is the | + | As suggested by the "let there be light" verse in Genesis, God likely created light, not merely light sources. Accordingly, some observed light did not necessary travel from a distant star. This concept is generally accepted as an extension of the [[Omphalos hypothesis]], which is the idple, that [[Adam]] was created as an adult rather than as an embryo. This particular solution is not [[falsifiable]]. |
=== Moon-Spencer theory === | === Moon-Spencer theory === | ||
− | Some creationists promoted an idea by Parry Moon | + | Some creationists promoted an idea by Parry Moon Domina Spencer that light somehow takes a through "Space," taking no more than 15 years to reach Earth from the outer limits of the universe. |
However, this idea never really caught on and appears to no longer have adherents.<ref>Humphreys, 1994, p. 46.</ref> | However, this idea never really caught on and appears to no longer have adherents.<ref>Humphreys, 1994, p. 46.</ref> | ||
=== Decrease in the speed of light === | === Decrease in the speed of light === | ||
− | [[Image:Barry_setterfield.jpg| | + | [[Image:Barry_setterfield.jpg|righthumb|150px|[[Barry Setterfield]]]] |
Creationist [[Barry Setterfield]] has proposed that the speed of light was faster in the past.<ref>Norman and Setterfield, 1986</ref> | Creationist [[Barry Setterfield]] has proposed that the speed of light was faster in the past.<ref>Norman and Setterfield, 1986</ref> | ||
This idea initially found wide acceptance by creationists, but is now widely rejected, although some still hold to the idea. | This idea initially found wide acceptance by creationists, but is now widely rejected, although some still hold to the idea. | ||
− | One criticism of it by anti- | + | One criticism of it by anti-was that if the speed of light had changed, we should see the difference in the Fine Structure Constant as measured by nearby stars versus distant stars, but this was not observed. |
− | + | ||
− | However, although this showed that | + | However, although this showed that scientists are open to new and controversial ideas, the methods Webb used were shown to contain simple flaws, which discredited the results.<ref>M. T. Murphy, J. K. Webb, V. V. Flambaum, Phys. Rev. Lett., 99, 239001 (2007)</ref> A later study of 23 absorption systems using the 'Very Large Telescope' found no measurable changes.<ref>H. Chand et al., Astron. Astrophys. 417, 853 (2004)</ref> |
These problems with the theory have led most creationists to drop the idea, although some credit it with stimulating further research.<ref>Humphreys, 1994, p.128</ref> Systematic uncertainties are difficult to quantify and so Webb's results still need to be checked by independent analyses, using quasar spectra from different telescopes. Their efforts are ongoing, apparently by several different teams of scientists. | These problems with the theory have led most creationists to drop the idea, although some credit it with stimulating further research.<ref>Humphreys, 1994, p.128</ref> Systematic uncertainties are difficult to quantify and so Webb's results still need to be checked by independent analyses, using quasar spectra from different telescopes. Their efforts are ongoing, apparently by several different teams of scientists. | ||
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According to this idea, the Biblical references to time are according to an observer (real or imaginary) on Earth, so ages are given in "Earth time". | According to this idea, the Biblical references to time are according to an observer (real or imaginary) on Earth, so ages are given in "Earth time". | ||
− | + | ||
This model receives cautious but wide support among creationists. | This model receives cautious but wide support among creationists. |
Revision as of 07:09, February 27, 2018
The starlight problem, or starlight travel-time problem, concerns the placement of stars at distances so far from Earth that starlight could not traverse that distance, at its current velocity, in less than the age of the universe. Yet the light has reached Earth anyway.The starlight problem is not in any conflict with the description in the Book of Genesis, which says, "let there be light, and there was light." It does not say, "let there be stars to generate light that can illuminate darkness," or "let there be light, and there was darkness that light later reached."
There is no way to "date" the age of light observed in the sky. It is possible that the speed of light is not constant, but this is not part of current thought. It is also possible that the universe has expanded at a rate faster than the speed of light.
[[image:Crab composite cx.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Crab nebula== The size of the universe == The maximum distance that can be determined using parallax calcula.</ref>
Calculations based on the observed brightness of supernovae of known energy output can determine the distance to more distant objects. The most distant object known is a galaxy cluster is estimated to be approximately thirteen billion light-years away from Earth, observed by the Hubble Telescope using gravitational lensing.[1]
Contents
Horizon Problem for the Big Bang Theory
Although atheists simplistically use the starlight problem to argue against a young Earth, the Big Bang theory has had difficulty in explaining its own light travel problem, known as the horizon problem.
The Big Bang model proposes that the temperature of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) would have varied considerably from place to place early in the universe, yet because the speed at which this radiation can disperse from hotter to colder parts of the universe is limited by the speed of light, there has not been enough time for the radiation to even out, yet observations today show it to be extremely uniform[2] (with fluctuations at the part-per-million levelCite error: Closing </ref>
missing for <ref>
tag but if the universe is expanding then it should be possible to observe stars that are now actually much further away.
Light created in transit
As suggested by the "let there be light" verse in Genesis, God likely created light, not merely light sources. Accordingly, some observed light did not necessary travel from a distant star. This concept is generally accepted as an extension of the Omphalos hypothesis, which is the idple, that Adam was created as an adult rather than as an embryo. This particular solution is not falsifiable.
Moon-Spencer theory
Some creationists promoted an idea by Parry Moon Domina Spencer that light somehow takes a through "Space," taking no more than 15 years to reach Earth from the outer limits of the universe. However, this idea never really caught on and appears to no longer have adherents.[3]
Decrease in the speed of light
[[Image:Barry_setterfield.jpg|righthumb|150px|Barry Setterfield]] Creationist Barry Setterfield has proposed that the speed of light was faster in the past.[4] This idea initially found wide acceptance by creationists, but is now widely rejected, although some still hold to the idea.
One criticism of it by anti-was that if the speed of light had changed, we should see the difference in the Fine Structure Constant as measured by nearby stars versus distant stars, but this was not observed.
However, although this showed that scientists are open to new and controversial ideas, the methods Webb used were shown to contain simple flaws, which discredited the results.[5] A later study of 23 absorption systems using the 'Very Large Telescope' found no measurable changes.[6]
These problems with the theory have led most creationists to drop the idea, although some credit it with stimulating further research.[7] Systematic uncertainties are difficult to quantify and so Webb's results still need to be checked by independent analyses, using quasar spectra from different telescopes. Their efforts are ongoing, apparently by several different teams of scientists.
Humphreys' model
In 1994 Dr. Russell Humphreys proposed a new cosmology[8] that includes a bounded universe with a center and an edge, that God had created 6,000 years ago as a much smaller body than today, then stretched it out, making it much larger. In Humphreys' model, because the universe has a center and an edge (unlike the unbounded model of the Big Bang universe), the center of the universe is also the center of a gravity well, meaning that gravity is stronger at the center of the universe than at the edge.
As gravity can affect the rate at which time passes, he calculated that while the six days of creation week were passing on Earth, billions of years' of time was passing at the edge of the universe. According to this idea, the Biblical references to time are according to an observer (real or imaginary) on Earth, so ages are given in "Earth time".
This model receives cautious but wide support among creationists.
Humphreys has since revised his model[1] solving the above problems. While calculating a metric for his White Hole Cosmology, Humphreys discovered an as of yet unnoticed (obscured by motion in more complicated metrics) effect of General Relativity, which causes large timeless zones. In Humphrey's model, the Universe is surrounded by a large mass of water, and the Earth is near the center of it, as is evidenced by bigger and bigger spherical shells of galaxies farther away from the Earth. Humphrey's theorizes that the expansion and recession of the fabric of time and its contents created a zone of timelessness, or anachronicity, around our solar system while billions of years passed outside. Because galaxies were formed in shells as the universe expanded, we would be seeing them as they appeared ~6000 years after creation (if we disregard his suspicion about a 500 million year anachronicity zone during the flood), despite them being actually billions of years old.
Time dilation field
Dr. John Hartnett, a creationist physicist, spurred by Humphreys' model, has proposed an alternative time dilation model, by theorizing the Earth was in a time-dilation field during the first few days of creation, from Earth's point of view, while billions of years passed for the rest of the universe. According to the Bible, God "stretched out"[9] the heavens (space), and this movement during creation week caused time to travel faster for those objects, in accordance with Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, adding to the time dilation caused by gravity, per Humphreys, in accordance with Einstein's General Theory of Relativity.[10]
Anisotropic synchrony convention
The speed of light was calculated at roughly 300 million meters per second by way of having the light go to a mirror and come back, then dividing the time by two. It cannot be done without the mirror since difference in location may alter timing, and any corrections require the speed of light in the calculations. Thus, it has been suggested by Dr. Jason Lisle that the speed of light may not be 300 million meters per second in any direction, but rather instantaneous in one direction and 150 million meters per second in the other.[11]
Bibliography
- Inconstant constant? Physical Review Letters 091301 (9 August 2001)
- Amos, Jonathan, Hubble sees 'most distant object', BBC News, 15 February 2004.
- Batten, Don, Catchpoole, David, Sarfati, Jonathan, Wieland, Carl, How can we see distant stars in a young universe?, chapter 5 of The Creation Answers Book, 2007.
- Fangrad, Richard, The media spin on the creationists (Creation Ministries International), 14 November 2007.
- Hartnett, John C., A new cosmology: solution to the starlight travel time problem, Journal of Creation 17(2):98–102, August 2003. HTML PDF
- Hartnett, John, Starlight, Time and the New Physics, Creation Book Publishers, 2007 ISBN 978-0-949906-68-7
- Humphreys, D. Russell, Starlight and Time, Master Books, 1994, ISBN 0-89051-202-7.
- Laird, Jeff, "Starlight, Time, and the New Physics" (Review), Gladio Mentis, 26 May 2008.
- Lisle, Jason, Light-travel time: a problem for the big bang, Creation 25(4):48–49, September 2003.
- Norman, T.G. and Setterfield, B., The Atomic Constants, Light and Time, SRI International Invited Research Report, Menlo Park, 1986.
- Sarfati, Jonathan, Have fundamental constants changed, and what would it prove? 22 August 2001 (Creation Ministries International).
- Wieland, Carl, Speed of light slowing down after all?, 9 August 2002 (Creation Ministries International).
Notes
- ↑ Amos, 2004
- ↑ Lisle, 2003
- ↑ Humphreys, 1994, p. 46.
- ↑ Norman and Setterfield, 1986
- ↑ M. T. Murphy, J. K. Webb, V. V. Flambaum, Phys. Rev. Lett., 99, 239001 (2007)
- ↑ H. Chand et al., Astron. Astrophys. 417, 853 (2004)
- ↑ Humphreys, 1994, p.128
- ↑ Batten et. al., 2007, p.90, Humphreys, 1994
- ↑ For example, Isaiah 40:22
- ↑ Hartnett, 2003, Hartnett 2007
- ↑ http://creation.com/images/pdfs/tj/j25_3/j25_3_56-62.pdf, Article: The Anisotropic Synchrony Convention model as a solution to the creationist starlight-travel-time problem, by John Harnett for Creation Ministries International
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