That the neutrinos travelled 60 billionths of a second faster than light has been reconfirmed
If extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidences, as Carl Sagan's dictum goes, then scientists involved in an experiment called OPERA (Oscillation Project with Emulsion-tRacking Apparatus) have provided just that. By successfully replicating the results obtained on September 22 this year, particle physicists have once again proved that neutrinos travel faster than light.
The latest confirmation brings them one step closer to shaking the very foundation of modern physics — Albert Einstein's 1905 Special theory of Relativity that states nothing can travel faster than light.
If the results announced two months ago shocked and stunned scientists all over the world, a sense of disbelief has set in after the team of scientists reconfirmed the results last Friday.
The experiment involved generating proton pulses and measuring the time taken for the neutrinos to travel 730 km from CERN, Europe's particle physics lab near Geneva to Gran Sasso National laboratory near L'Aquila, Italy. The 730 km distance between the two points has been measured with an error margin of just 20 cm.
A beam of light would take just 2.4 milliseconds to cover this distance. But in March 2011 scientists were shocked to discover that neutrinos travelled 60 nanoseconds (or 60 billionths of a second) faster than light.
This means that neutrinos were travelling at a speed of 299,798,454 metres per second, while the speed of light in a vacuum is slower at 299,792,458 metres per second.
It was not an isolated observation. In fact, scientists found more than 15,000 neutrinos arriving earlier than expected at the Gran Sasso Laboratory. They checked the accuracy of the data for six months before going public. Since the error margin was only 10 nanoseconds, neutrinos were indeed travelling faster than light.
But there was one factor that the team had overlooked. The proton pulses used for generating the neutrinos were of 10.5 microseconds duration and hence relatively longer. There was a possible room for error as it was difficult to tell whether the speed of individual neutrinos was compared with protons arriving at the beginning or end of the 10.5 microsecond-long pulse.
Hence the OPERA team repeated the experiment by reducing the duration of the pulse from 10.5 microseconds to just 3 nanoseconds — a 3,000-times reduction in pulse duration.
Results from 20 events produced from 3 nanosecond pulses showed that the neutrinos still arrived 60 nanoseconds earlier than light. This was the result that was announced a few days ago.
Other possible errors
There is one more possible error factor that has been raised — synchronising to within nanosecond accuracy the two clocks at both locations (in Geneva and L'Aquila, Italy) to time the neutrino's speed. The OPERA team had synchronised the clocks using GPS signals from a single satellite. The use of GPS in high-energy particle physics to synchronise the clocks at either end of the beam path may be one controversial issue as it has never been tried before.
According to an article in Nature, Carlo Contaldi of the Imperial College London has challenged the OPERA results as it has not taken into account one important aspect of the general theory of relativity — the difference in the force of gravity at the two locations affecting the rate at which the clocks tick.
Effect of gravity
Compared with Gran Sasso, the CERN site is further away from the centre of the earth and hence would experience slightly stronger gravitational pull. This would result in the clock at CERN running slightly slower than the one at Gran Sasso.
Dario Autiero of the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Lyons, France and physics co-ordinator for OPERA was quoted as saying inNaturethat “Contaldi's challenge is a result of misunderstanding of how clocks were synchronised.” The team is expected to soon explain the way the clocks were synchronised.
According to Nature, one more element that is generating more scrutiny is the “profile of the proton beam” that generates neutrinos as a “by-product of collision with a target.”
Keywords: OPERA team, neutrinos, speed of light
Neutrino is less affected by the curvature of space-time being near massless as compared to a photon of light. It cold be tunneling via the geodesic of space-time. This could be a further proof of the curvature of space-time itself.
Many congratulations !!!.. First for the scientist to provide such a great chapter in human history.. and second for the "The Hindu" for placing this article .. . by doing so you have enriched my knowledge on physics and i thank every one who posted their comments , all the comments are as informative as the article itself ... Thanks once again for making me understand something abt the particles ...
The mass at both points when measuring time must be equivalent. This is because both mass and velocity can affect time. If the mass of this machine is different at one point, then time would be faster or slower. This should be a variable when measuring such small measurements of time. I'm glad that these scientists took differences in altitude into consideration though.
Check Einstein doppler effect of light formulas.
Actual formula should be:
f` =f(apparent velocity of light)/c ,f` is doppler effect frequency
For star moving away, f` =f((c2-v2)^1/2)/c = f(1-v2/c2)^1/2.
Towards Red shift.
Modern physicists delve into concepts like time contraction which is nothing but fictional until one can travel beyond the speed of light; Instead the phenomenon can be explained on the basis of all-pervading- ether through which the light or any other particles travel; it is the capability or rather the limitation of ether that it can let light particles swim in its ocean at a maximum speed of 299,792,458 metres per second. Perhaps, it can let some other particles travel at much higher speeds than this number... all it matters is that we cannot be absolute when we say E=mc^2; instead we should account for the amount of energy that is exchanged to or from the vacuum (ether). Only those particles that cross a certain threshold can exchange the energy with the ether and only those can travel at higher speeds of produce new particles out of no where. Now the challenge is to find out the nuances of this threshold.
the clocks synchronised by a same satellite through gps (even tough its the first time its being tried )may not b wrong , and one more thing , what if this thing is tried in a place where gravity has no effect , which then ll certainly rule out the doubt that gravity has an affect on the clocks at cern , say we can try it in space frm one shuttle to another or frm one satellite to anotha , but i guess that ll take a while before it goes frm an idea to reality ... but finally nothing is ever invented or radically changed as long as we think conventionally , it is and it always has been the ideas dat are out of the box and seemed stupid that changed da world , revolutionised the era dat we live in
MIchelson-Morley experiment results concludes that speed of light is constant,c(if ether exist it`s speed must be very-very small.)
The consequnce is time changes along direction of motion of the source of light.Since time changes,velocity of light remain constant.
Therefore apparent velocity of light changes.
For the source away from us ,apparent velocity= (c2-v2)^1/2
For The source moving towards us is c2/(c2-v2)^1/2
being a layman, I cannot understand the finer nuances in the discussions on this news item. but i have a doubt, light is natural and always travels at the same speed. these particles are created and perhaps propelled. so can the different variables involved in creating and propelling these particles be a factor that can alter their speed? Also, the time difference between the two is sixty nanoseconds; even if the two clocks are synchronised, whatever the technology used, can they be synchronised at the nanosecond level?
First and Foremost, Einstein did not provide and explanation or proof as to why he made those very important postulates in his "Special Theory of Relativity".
Lets put those one by one:
*Speed of Light in Vacuum is 299,792,458 metres per second
*Speed of light in vacuum is invariant with the direction of the
motion of objects
*Nothing else can travel at speeds higher than that of light.
Any of the above axioms can change without adversely affecting the modern science by just accommodating a new idea that VACUUM is not really nothing; in fact it is recently reported in "The Hindu" a few days back that "energy can be produced from vacuum". Einstein never categorically proved or stated that "Ether" did not exist, all he said was that its presence would not alter our understanding of the physics of universe.Time has come to consider that some particles can grab energy from the ether (medium through which they travel) and travel faster than light. Revolutionary indeed!
it will intresting to see whether it is light which travel faster or is it neutrinos . This may be the new beginning for physicist lets see what comes out of it? i m eagaerly waiting for the accurate results
This is a long waiting result. Our physics is stepping into another milestone of understanding true nature. We assumed the meaning of vacum as a constant framework across the universe. Every point in space is a relative reference of some other framework. probably, the neutrinos travel on say, F1 framework and light could be tarvelling on say F2 framework which is relative to F1. We are moving one step further to understand the matter and energy. E=mc2 is still hold on F2 but fails on F1. This si similar to what Newton laws got flawed. I believe in addition to E=mc2 where mass and energy are related, by exploring this event, we should be able to relate space as another parameter. What would result is space, mass and energy are same.
Nothing can travel beyond the speed of light was required to get the special theory of relativity work. Even Einstein was not convinced of the fact that nothing can travel beyond speed of light is something practical and still it was taken as the axiom, so that the mathematics behind the theory can be validated. May be we need better mathematical principles to get the modern physics work. This research confirmation from CERN can help create efficient processors that can function better from a quantum physics perspective.
Its really a new horizon for the modern physics , but i have a question that earlier experiments with LASER also claimed that after Multiple reflections a LASER can travel faster than light so why we are talking about failing of the TR now and if thats a different phenomenon than kindly guide me, As i was always have this question in my mind and now there is right time to ask this...
Everyone expected that Theory of Relativity can be disproved if this case - "Neutrino travelling faster than Light" is proved. But now, Theory of relativity comes into picture to disprove this case. I hope that this will be scientific revolution as Einstein created before. Time for Change!!!
Only fools will build a city underground to unravel the secrets of the universe. The cosmos is not made of particles which is why these physicists are like dogs chasing their own tail. They will never find the "God" particle or the prove or disprove the speed of light. The visible universe according to Vedanta is a play of Maya, the grand illusion. Science can only help us live our everyday life and Physics can only go so far. There has been no discovery in theoretical physics since Quantum Mechanics. The west does not know any better. Indians have thought about this for thousands of years and come up with far better explanations.
Ref; My 4th posting from top.I derived K.E. formulas.
For a particle moving away
K.E. = moc2 - moc2( 1- v2/c2)^1/2
For a particle moving towards
K.E = moc2/(1-v2/c2)^1/2 - moc2
What's certain is a well planned approach by CERN is under place to
disrupt the fundamentals of todays physics. If one has to consider the
criticism, it would only add to the credibility of experiment if the
scientists come up with a counter solution for each query raised.
Gravitational factors, gps positioning and even a proposal of sending
a beam of neutrino and a light beam simultaneously need to be answered
effectively in order to provide deep insights for a layman. The course
of science is under evolution with progress of every second and this
experiment will only act as a catalyst if proven right.
Even the Newton's theory that we follow today was under severe criticism when he first proposed it. It was only due to such a criticism , that he could able to close all the loop holes by answering each and every one who raised natural doubts. Like wise, i hope this OPERA experiment team would also be able to prove beyond doubt what the said, if it was right.One thing we have to remember is "nothing is permanent" everything will change one day or the other...
Will tectonic movement have anything to do with this? or is it already taken into account from gps synchronisation?
Well if this becomes true then we are breaking one of the fundamental law of physics. However, the implications are great, we are one step closer to attain the speed of light. Our planet is already doomed. As far as I see if we won't tame global warming now, within next 50 years or so there will be torrential rain followed by drought. The earth will be hostile for life. The fastest machine we have today is just 10,000 times slower then speed of light. It means on the judgement day, whoever left earth in one of those space ships is saved and rest of the humanity is doomed. If we can travel at least at the speed of light we could probably save life. The possibility of encountering a same planet as earth is very rare but the universe is vary vast. We haven't yet explored our own back yard. I truly congratulate the minds behind this experiment and hope that some day we may be going on interstellar voyages.
Why do they need to synchronise the two clocks at both locations??
In the paragraph under 'Effect of gravity', if CERN site is further away from the centre of the earth then it is supposed to have a slightly weaker gravitational pull(higher gravitational potential) and hence clock would tick faster and not slower.
Science & Technology, lab infrastructure, technical knowhow ect. were at the premitive during 1905. So Albert Einstein's Special theory of Relativity that states nothing can travel faster than light is true stands valid if one looks at that point of time.
It is nothing new, in ancient india there are examples quoted in mythological literature about the particles as well as vehicles travelling faster than light
Or maybe they should just say now that nothing can go faster than a neutrino. But really the speed is so close that it is clearly an error with the comparitivley primitive ways of measuring time... honestly, these nerds need to get a grip, 60 billionths of a second? thats obviously close enough to call it the exact speed of light. Could i get off on a speeding ticket if the laser was off by a few millionths?
As a layman i would say we need not be horrified at the Relativity theory being broken. Let no theory nor the stature of the proposer of the theory bind us in the persuit of truth (physical). If this information can open new vistas we should accept it and move forward. But if this information does no good at any level (physical, metaphysical or even spiritual) then it is just as good as Theory of Relativity (TR). TR and Hinsbergs uncertainity principle are said to put some kind of veil on the persuit of knowledge. Lets see if this discovery brings any change to it.
Why can't they send a light and nutrino particles at the same time and see which one reaches first? Wouldn't this take care of all concerns with the variables?
Will it lead to Multi-Verse theory? Making of timeline machines! Tele-Transportation ! Sulu! Get ready to beam me to New Delhi !! Not a joke! May be a reality soon!
A beautifully (scientifically)compiled report. It may motivate young physicists.
It is an apparent velocity of light because time is seen going faster. Apparent velocity as neutrino approaches us is c2/(c2-v2)^1/2 So c2/(c2-v2)^1/2 = 299 798 454 . Where c = 299 792 458. The actual velocity of neutrino ,v can be found, time goes faster. t = to( 1-v2/c2) ^ 1/2
For to = 1 s
If t = 1- 0.6 x 10^-8 s .t is obsever equalvalence time lapse of is seen.If this true,then my theory is wright.
60billionths is 0.6 x 10^-8 s
OK, the scientist's who are believing that neutrino's can travel faster than the speed of light, can be right and wrong... if you think about it if they do travel faster they would be able to exceed into space... by harnessing their ability to travel faster then the speed of light and transforming that neutrino energy into a fuel to be harnessed by using anti neutrinos, they would be right only based upon actual performance of the clocks so in order for them to be right they would have to change Einstein's theory of relativity towards e = mc^2 which mean they would need a new variable to take effect ...
the reason they could be wrong is (un)synchronized clocks which would be the cause of a failure some where between the testing station and the satellite... but from my understanding i believe mostly that it will break physics into peices, why because there has been more then one facility that have tested the neutrino vs the speed of light, and its (un)explainable bc it a new formula.
hasnt anybody ever heard of scalar waves?
It seem to me even though the clocks are in different places with gravity causing a drag on one , if you shoot the light from the same place and using the same clocks and the neutrinos are still traveling faster than the light or am i just thinking illogically? As long as you use the same clocks and shoot the beams from the same place and use the same length of time for light and neutrinos and the neutrinos are faster where is the room of error? get real neutrinos are faster quit looking for excuses!
The OPERA recorded speed of Neutrino which is more than light. Before 23 years, I had proved mathematically that relative velocity may be more than light velocity. CERN proved experimentally that velocity of Neutrinos may be more than light, if this news will be confirmed then that will be new beginning of physics. So, it is necessary to think different than old concept of science.
Please read paper "What is matter & dark matter is made up of?" on my web site www.maheshkhati.com. This paper may help to find solution to this problem & other problems like what is dark matter? & about true relativity. I strongly oppose special theory of relativity
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