The age of the universe, estimated to be approximately 13.8 billion years, is determined based on a combination of observational data and theoretical models. While time dilation does occur in certain contexts, such as near black holes or during cosmic inflation, it does not significantly impact the overall age estimate of the universe.
The estimation of the universe's age is primarily derived from measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the observed distribution of galaxies, and the rate of expansion of the universe. These observations provide valuable information about the early stages of the universe's evolution and allow scientists to extrapolate backward in time.
It's important to note that the concept of time dilation applies to specific regions or circumstances where gravitational fields or extreme speeds are involved. In the context of the universe as a whole, the impact of time dilation on the estimated age is negligible.
Additionally, the idea of a "second" in the early moments of the universe's existence is a challenging concept because our conventional understanding of time breaks down under extreme conditions, such as those encountered during the Big Bang. The singularity associated with the Big Bang represents a point where our current physical models fail, and it is an active area of research to develop a more comprehensive theory that can describe the physics of such extreme events.
In summary, while time dilation is a fascinating aspect of general relativity and has important implications in specific scenarios, it does not significantly affect our estimate of the age of the universe, which is primarily derived from observational data and theoretical models that consider the broader cosmological context.