Scientists have known for decades that time passes faster at higher elevations—a curious aspect of Einstein's theories of relativity that previously has been measured by comparing clocks on the earth's surface and a high-flying rocket.
Pair of aluminum atomic clocks reveal Einstein's relativity at a personal scale; You age faster at the top of the staircase
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The NIST experiments focused on two scenarios predicted by Einstein's theories of relativity. First, when two clocks are subjected to unequal gravitational forces due to their different elevations above the surface of the Earth, the higher clock—experiencing a smaller gravitational force—runs faster. Second, when an observer is moving, a stationary clock's tick appears to last longer, so the clock appears to run slow. Scientists refer to this as the "twin paradox," in which a twin sibling who travels on a fast-moving rocket ship would return home younger than the other twin. The crucial factor is the acceleration (speeding up and slowing down) of the travelling twin in making the round-trip journey.
- 2 votes
Jedi,
At first, I thought I understood the article faster, because my computer is downstairs.
Then I realized that it took longer to for my older brain to get it, because I slept upstairs all night.
Finally - a scientific experiment that explains the senility of corporate CEOs - who reside in the 'penthouse' offices. I'd always attributed that to the fact that the air is just too thin 'up there'.
Seriously - I'd not heard of aluminum ion clocks yet. Thanks for another good seed. It will have some very interesting applications. I'd expect to start seeing some of them rather soon - especially if I'm in the basement.
- 1 vote
This is why I spend most of my days on the 1st floor where I work and at home. Sometimes, I try to spend a lot of time in the basement. To pass the time, I play Xbox.
That 2 seconds I gain at the end of my life will have all been worth it. ;)
- 1 vote
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