Speculation
String Theory
Absolute Simultaneity
CICS
Simultaneity-Time
Absolute Simultaneity
In the Myths section I have questioned whether differences in simultaneity are real, based on the fact that they do not, and cannot, have any effect on the outcome of events. However, recently, a strong argument against differences in simultaneity has been put forwards by Dr. John Field, a researcher at CERN.
He has derived the Lorentz transformation by a method which does not require, or suggest, that differences in simultaneity arise. Similarly, it does not invoke differences in physical dimensions or distances. In his words:
"It is demonstrated that the measured spatial separation of two objects, at rest in some inertial frame, is invariant under space-time transformations. This result holds in both Galilean and Special Relativity. A corollary is that there are no 'length contraction' or associated 'relativity of simultaneity' effects in the latter theory."
Instead he suggests that what is actually taking place is a difference in velocities. This suggests that the "Reciprocity Principle" does not apply to Special Relativity. Note: The Reciprocity Principle is the idea that if object A has a velocity of v with respect to the rest frame of object B, then object B has a velocity of -v in A's rest frame. This is true in Galilean Relativity, but it is not so in Field's interpretation of Special Relativity.
The potential impact of this on our understanding of the universe could be significant. As differences in simultaneity have never been observed experimentally, their only justification lay in the fact that they formed an explicit part of Einstein's derivation of the Lorentz transformation. Take that away, and there remains no reason to suggest they exist at all.
A fuller discussion of John Field's ideas is presented here, together with links to a number of his papers...
