The idea that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light is based on the theory of relativity, which has been extensively tested and supported by numerous experimental observations and measurements over the past century. The theory of relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, is a fundamental framework that describes the behavior of space, time, and gravity.
One of the key principles of the theory of relativity is that the speed of light in a vacuum is an absolute constant denoted as "c," which is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (186,282 miles per second). This constant is thought to be a fundamental property of the universe. The theory of relativity has been confirmed by a wide range of experiments, including those involving high-energy particle accelerators, cosmic rays, and astrophysical observations.
The evidence supporting the constancy of the speed of light and the inability to surpass it is extensive and robust. Countless experiments have shown that as objects with mass accelerate towards the speed of light, their energy and relativistic mass increase, making it more and more difficult to reach or exceed the speed of light. The theory of relativity has been able to successfully explain and predict a wide range of phenomena, including the behavior of particles, the structure of the universe, and the interaction of matter and energy.
While scientific theories are always subject to scrutiny and ongoing research, the theory of relativity has been tested extensively and remains an exceptionally successful framework for describing the behavior of the physical world. To date, no credible experimental evidence has been found to disprove the theory of relativity or suggest that objects can travel faster than the speed of light.
It's worth noting that scientists are continually exploring the frontiers of knowledge and conducting experiments to push the boundaries of our understanding. However, any new discoveries or theories that challenge the current understanding of the speed of light would require substantial evidence and undergo rigorous scientific scrutiny before they are accepted.