Speed of Light NOT constant

Started by TeaLeaf, January 23, 2015, 12:58:25 PM

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TeaLeaf

Scientists have slowed photons to below the speed of light and once slowed, they continue at that below c speeds.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-30944584

If c can be equated to the speed of a single photon and is therefore not constant, then what sort of implications does it have for physics and our understanding of the world?
TL.
Wisdom doesn\'t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.  (Tom Wilson)
Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. (Michael Jordan)

Chaosphere

So when can I order my warp drive?

Interesting stuff, but much like every step in quantum physics it is a tiny tiny baby step. As the article says, this discovery has more basic practical implications than opening the door to the things we all dream of, like FTL travel and transporters. For now, at least.

One day, though.... Science fiction has a way of becoming science fact after all! Every bit of information like this contributes to further and further research, its fascinating to see and keep an eye on as things advance.
All our Gods have abandoned us.

smilodon

Once again mainstream media and particularly the 'we don't really understand anything we report' BBC get it wrong again. Seems the good old speed of light is still constant. The group velocity of plane waves in a vacuum might not be though.
smilodon
Whatever's gone wrong it's not my fault.

TeaLeaf

That's why I worded what I wrote very carefully!

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TL.
Wisdom doesn\'t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.  (Tom Wilson)
Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. (Michael Jordan)

smilodon

Although anything that gets science in the news can't be too bad. It piques people's interest who then read more about the subject.
smilodon
Whatever's gone wrong it's not my fault.