Published September 15, 1973 | Version v1
Journal article

Unaccelerated-returning-twin paradox in flat space-time

  • 1. Physics Department, Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118

Description

The twin paradox in a flat space-time which is spatially closed on itself is considered. In such a universe, twin $B$ can move with constant velocity away from twin $A$ and yet return younger than $A$. This paradox cannot be resolved in the usual way since neither twin is accelerated or locally subject to other than flat Minkowski geometry. Thus there are no obvious kinematic, dynamic, or geometric distinctions between the two and yet one experimentally verifies that moving clocks are slowed while the other does not. A global analysis leads to the conclusion that the description of the topology of this universe has imposed a preferred state of rest so that the principle of special relativity, although locally valid, is not globally applicable.

Additional details

Identifiers

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physical Review D
Journal Volume
8
Journal Issue
6
Series
Phys. Rev., D.
Journal Page Range
1662-1666
ISSN
0556-2821

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
United States
INIS RN
5113046
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
METRICS; MINKOWSKI SPACE; RELATIVITY THEORY; SPACE-TIME; TOPOLOGY
Descriptors DEC
MATHEMATICAL SPACE; MATHEMATICS; SPACE

Optional Information

Notes
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