Which is more significant, Time Dilation due to motion or gravity?

Answer 1

Look into Einstein's Principle of Equivalence. You can't tell the difference between uniform acceleration and a gravitational field. That's the foundation of general relativity.

Answer 2

You must be aware that these are not equivalent units that can be easily compared. The phenomenon of time dilation only occurs while in motion and is proportional to the speed achieved. similarly, there will be an increase in mass which will be affected by gravity. And as your velocity approaches the speed of light, time dilation approaches zero and mass approaches infinity. Therefore the effects of gravity on that mass also approaches infinity. Since the mean density of the universe is evenly distributed all around us, the net effect will be to keep you in the same spot, So you'll be going nowhere fast with all the time in the world to get there.

Answer 3

Prof Zikzak is right, it depends on speed and location

But let's go local -- they are comparable to what goes on here on earth. If you climb a mountain, time will go faster because you are escaping earth's gravitational field. Likewise if you fly on a typical commercial airline.

But if you fly on the Space Shuttle, your speed will cause more time dilation than on earth.

But again, if you go a little higher in orbit to where GPS and Geosynchronous satellites orbit, time will go faster because of slower relative speeds and weaker gravitational fields. Specifically, GPS satellites need to compensate for both gravity and motion time dilation to give accurate readings.

Answer 4

Gravity, You can't halt time with motion because the speed of light is the only way to do this. and this is not possible. Time does not exist within a black hole. this is directly due to the effect of gravity.

Answer 5

It depends where you are. Are you holding yourself stationary above a black hole, or are you whizzing around outer space far from any mass?