Scientists have made a fascinating discovery, revealing that time appeared to move in slow motion during the early stages of the universe, when it was approximately one billion years old. This groundbreaking finding provides support for Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which suggests that time operated at a slower pace in the distant past.
Lead study author Geraint Lewis, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Sydney, explained that when looking back to a time when the universe was just over a billion years old, time seemed to flow approximately five times slower. He likened the experience to being present in the infant universe, where a second would still feel like a second. However, from our vantage point over 12 billion years into the future, that early time appears to stretch out, creating the illusion of slow motion.
This revelation deepens our understanding of the fabric of the universe and affirms the profound influence of Einstein’s theory of relativity. By observing the universe’s early stages, scientists gain insights into the fundamental nature of time itself.
The study’s findings not only inspire awe but also spark further questions about the mysteries that lie within the vast expanse of our cosmos. Exploring the nature of time in different cosmic eras brings us closer to unraveling the enigmatic workings of the universe and our place within it.