So-the speed of light may not be constant after all

[Don]

http://phys.org/news/2013-03-ephemeral-vacuum-particles-speed-of-light-fluctuations.html

As a result, there is a theoretical possibility that the speed of light is not fixed, as conventional physics has assumed. But it could fluctuate at a level independent of the energy of each light quantum, or photon, and greater than fluctuations induced by quantum level gravity. The speed of light would be dependent on variations in the vacuum properties of space or time. The fluctuations of the photon propagation time are estimated to be on the order of 50 attoseconds per square meter of crossed vacuum, which might be testable with the help of new ultra-fast lasers.

Okay, science and math types - if this is proven true, then I am assuming from what they're saying that a massive surge of energy--and I mean, *massive*--could have an effect on the actual speed of light particles. Further, if this is proven true, it seems to me that what they're saying is that light particles are slowed the further they travel. So on the one hand, based on the article, it seems as if they're saying that supercharging the particles will cause them to travel faster; while distance will slow them.

Am I misinterpreting what they're saying?

 

[Yeshua1]

http://phys.org/news/2013-03-ephemeral-vacuum-particles-speed-of-light-fluctuations.html

Okay, science and math types - if this is proven true, then I am assuming from what they're saying that a massive surge of energy--and I mean, *massive*--could have an effect on the actual speed of light particles. Further, if this is proven true, it seems to me that what they're saying is that light particles are slowed the further they travel. So on the one hand, based on the article, it seems as if they're saying that supercharging the particles will cause them to travel faster; while distance will slow them.

Am I misinterpreting what they're saying?

Doesn't science already presuppose theexistence of tacheyon particles, that move FTL?

And haven't there been tests where labs have been shown able to slow/speed up light speed?

Could light speed up in space? is it wrong to assume a standand speed all the time?

 

[Salty]

Could light speed up in space? is it wrong to assume a standand speed all the time?

Depends on two things:
1) what is the Speed limit
2) is it enforced by Homeland security?
:saint:

 

[quantumfaith]

"attosecond", 1x10^-18 or 1 quintillionth of a second. Just thought I would add my two cents.

This to me is the "neat" thing about science, although there are often cherished positions, experimentation and investigation goes on challenging our current assumptions.

I might add some of the discussion following the article is quite interesting. Wished I had majored in physics.

 

[Judith]

I am not sure this is any great claim. We have known since the discovery of refractive index of the medium in 1850 that light can be slowed by water or glass. So is "c" constant, yes it is in a vaccume as long as there is nothing else to interfere with it. Distance and color has to also be a factor.
I would also point out that the chages are usually very minute depending on the medium.

 

[preachinjesus]

There's nothing to suggest that the speed of light would be able to reduce to a place to support YEC claims. What the article and research are pointing out is that, when filters or a lens are placed in an object transmitting/reflecting/refracting light there is a minor deviation in the speed at which the light travels.

It is intriguing. The comments below the article are really good and worth your reading if you want to have the view expanded/explained/explored more thoroughly.