The reason why the speed of light is considered an upper limit in our current understanding of physics is deeply rooted in the fundamental principles of the universe, specifically the theory of special relativity proposed by Albert Einstein.
Special relativity is based on two postulates:
- The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames (i.e., frames of reference moving at a constant velocity relative to each other).
- The speed of light in a vacuum is constant and the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.
From these postulates, it can be derived that as an object with mass approaches the speed of light, its energy and momentum increase, requiring an infinite amount of energy to accelerate it to reach or exceed the speed of light. This implies that it is impossible for an object with mass to achieve or exceed the speed of light.
Additionally, as an object approaches the speed of light, time dilation occurs. Time dilation means that as an object's velocity increases, time slows down for that object relative to a stationary observer. This phenomenon has been experimentally observed and confirmed. So, rather than the universe "wanting" to preserve the speed barrier of light, it is a consequence of the fundamental nature of spacetime and the structure of the universe as described by special relativity.
Breaking the speed of light barrier would require a profound rethinking of our current understanding of physics, including the principles of special relativity. While there have been speculative ideas and theoretical constructs proposed, such as wormholes or faster-than-light travel, they remain purely speculative and have not been experimentally verified or incorporated into our scientific framework.
It's important to note that our understanding of the universe is continually evolving, and future discoveries may challenge or expand our knowledge. However, as of now, the speed of light serves as a fundamental limit, and any notion of exceeding it would require a revolutionary shift in our understanding of physics.