0 votes
in Relativity physics by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
0 votes
by

According to our current understanding of physics, it is not possible for objects such as galaxies to "wink out" or disappear from our view as they recede beyond the speed of light. This is because the theory of special relativity, which has been extensively tested and confirmed by experiments, prohibits anything with mass from reaching or exceeding the speed of light.

As galaxies move away from us due to the expansion of the universe, their light becomes redshifted, meaning the wavelengths of the light are stretched. This is known as cosmological redshift. As a result, the light from distant galaxies may shift to longer wavelengths, such as infrared or even radio waves, making them more difficult to detect with optical telescopes. However, they don't disappear or wink out completely.

It's important to note that the expansion of the universe itself is not limited by the speed of light. The expansion occurs on a cosmic scale, affecting the space between galaxies, but it does not involve galaxies moving through space faster than light. Instead, the expansion of space stretches the wavelengths of light as it propagates through that expanding space.

Our observations of distant galaxies, including those that are highly redshifted, have provided valuable insights into the history and evolution of the universe. Through advanced telescopes and techniques, astronomers are able to study galaxies at different distances and wavelengths, allowing us to explore the cosmos and understand its dynamics.

In summary, galaxies do not disappear or "wink out" from our view as they recede beyond the speed of light due to the expansion of the universe. However, their light can become increasingly redshifted, making them more challenging to observe with optical telescopes. The expansion of the universe itself does not involve objects moving faster than light, but rather the stretching of the space between galaxies.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...