Did you know that time is actually goes faster in higher altitudes than it does in lower altitudes? Although, the difference in time is so small, that a person would only age 90 billionths of a second more per lifetime (79 years) than a person who lived exactly 12 inches under them their whole lives. This phenomenon is known as gravitational time dilation. This idea was discovered by Albert Einstein as a part of his Theory of Relativity in 1907. The reason for this phenomenon is very long and complex. But basically, this happens because of the weaker gravitational force found in higher altitudes, as opposed to the stronger gravity closer to earth. (here is a link to a site that goes in depth for anyone who is interested: conspiracyoflight/Gravitational_Time_Dilation/Gravitational_Time_Dilation.html [See the section near the center of the page "Why does Gravitational Acceleration lead to Time Dilation?"]) This phenomenon is the reason that global positioning satellites need to have their clocks regularly adjusted. It also means that your head ages more quickly than your feet, that people living on the top floor of a tower block age more quickly than those on the first floor - and that time passes more slowly for people living at sea level than it does for those on mountains. -Doctor
Posted on: Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:38:46 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015