Superluminal Velocities: Evidence for a New Kinematics?
| Scientific Paper | |
|---|---|
| Title | Superluminal Velocities: Evidence for a New Kinematics? |
| Author(s) | Thomas E Phipps |
| Keywords | Superluminal Velocities, Kinematics |
| Published | 1989 |
| Journal | Physics Essays |
| Volume | 2 |
| Number | 2 |
| Pages | 180-185 |
Abstract
Currently accepted explanations of the superluminal velocities reported by astronomers are characterized by a superunitary ratio of hypotheses to facts. This motivates a review of alternatives, beginning with doubts cast by investigations of Arp and Marmet on the distance scale of quasars and culminating in a reexamination of the foundations of kinematics. A simple analysis based on postulates of invariance of length and proper-time intervals leads to velocity nonreciprocity ? which explains the astronomical observations with logical economy. It also offers new perceptions concerning the well-known twin paradox.