I was wondering how space can have places that can alter time?

Answer 1

Your question is a little vague...I presume you are talking about some of the curious time dilation affects of Special and General Relativity.


The short answer to your question is that because distances in time and distances in space are intertwined, neither has to be the same as seen by all observers.

The way to think about this is to acknowledge space and time as different aspects of the same thing. When physicists talk about "spacetime" it is not just a cool sounding word; in a very real way space and time are intertwined. This is best expressed as the space-time interval between two events. Intervals are like a distance, except it includes both space separation and time separation in one expression.This interval is the same for all observers (unlike distance alone or time difference alone, it is unaltered regardless of the motion of the observer or acceleration field the observer is in.). Because this value is the same for all observers, it means that different observers will see distances and times on their own differently.

You can read about spacetime intervals in this Wiki article.

Answer 2

In truth, space and time are simply illusions, filled in by the mind as it transits its own existence. Words fail in description, which can only be fully conceived mathematically, and even then, incompletely, as it requires the mind to embrace concepts such as multidimensional universes that are quite inconceivable. Having said that, relatively probably provides the answer you're looking for. Time is relative in the sense that its rate of flow can be altered by acceleration. This is necessary for the physics of the universe (as we perceive it with our senses) to stay in balance. The math of relativity in terms of time dilation is not complex. Simply algebra reveals it. Special relativity (basically a theory of gravity) becomes more complex. Suffice it to say that as objects increase their energy (accelerate) by necessity, their time slows relative to an observer outside their system of acceleration. This can measured right on earth. Gravity is a type of acceleration. A clock in the basement of a building runs slower that one on the top floor. It a very slight change in earths weak gravitation field, but measurable. This is all governed and tied together by the speed of light. Now imagine an immense gravitational field like a massive star. Make the star so big that it own weight overcomes the atomic forces that keep its atoms inflated and it collapses. This is a black hole. The gravity is so strong that even light traveling at 186000 miles per second can't escape. At a point near this object is a place called the event horizon. Time slows as this is approached, and finally stops when it is reached. Something has to give in the presence of infinite force and that something is time. You could never visit an event horizon. The tidal forces near a black hole are enormous. Just the spacial distance between you feet and head could represent almost infinite force. You would be st reached into atomic spaghetti instantly. That's one example of how a place in space can alter time and there are many others. but all deal with acceleration which is really energy, which ultimately is mass which defines gravity. It's all interrelated and tied together in the formula E=Mc2. It's really interesting and worth learning about. It's the beginning of understanding, and if you can get a handle on it, you might be able to glimpse the real truth which I outlined in the first sentence.

Answer 3

time is only half the thought. Today, we think of space/time as a single concept. Gravity warps space, just like it warps time. Einstien proposed it in his general and special theories of relativity, and was later to be proven correct. We have actually measure this effect with astronauts returning from the moon. Very easy question , very complex answer, where only a few truly understand the aspects entirely (sorry, I'm not one of them)

Answer 4

Hi. Space and time are interwoven intimately. Any force which disrupts one will effect the other. Gravity is the best example. Both space and time are influenced by gravity. Always. But it really gets noticeable near an intense gravity field such as a neutron star or black hole.

Answer 5

I do not believe in it. Time is a measure imposed by man. There are many theories also, compounded to give credence to science. e.g. Black Holes. I digress no more...hope this is useful.