As we know, the speed of light is finite. As space expands, the wavelength of light increases commensurately, meaning that light-producing phenomena sufficiently far away in relative terms, will be undetectable as light shifts beyond radio frequencies to the as yet undetectable sub-radio frequencies ad infinitum.
In other words, the observability of, say, a star, can be calculated in terms of its energy output relative to its perceived distance in time and space. So a red dwarf 90 billion lightyears away may be undetectable, but a neutron star 100 lightyears away would be readily observable.
As the Earth orbits the Sun, and the Sun orbits Sagittarius A*, as the Milky Way hurtles through our incalculably vast (or dense? 🤔) Universe, we are presented with a unique opportunity.
If we can calculate the trajectory of Earth in relative terms to an observationally valid degree of accuracy, and determine the Solar System's relative location, say, 10 million years ago... Would it not be possible to train our telescopes upon this location and get a glimpse of our own past, if conditions happened to be favorable? In other words, so long as we are not moving away from our prior position in relative terms faster than light can travel, and our view is not otherwise obstructed? And so long as the distance of "past Sun" is not so far away in space and time that its light shifts beyond detectable wavelengths in the radio range of the spectrum?
When we observe the stars throughout our galaxy and beyond, it is well established that we are catching a glimpse of the past. If we observe a star 20,000 lightyears away, account for the expansion of the Universe, and you can know how far back into time you are looking.
Is there any reason this understanding shouldn't or can't be applied to get a better scientific understanding of our own history?
In other words, the observability of, say, a star, can be calculated in terms of its energy output relative to its perceived distance in time and space. So a red dwarf 90 billion lightyears away may be undetectable, but a neutron star 100 lightyears away would be readily observable.
As the Earth orbits the Sun, and the Sun orbits Sagittarius A*, as the Milky Way hurtles through our incalculably vast (or dense? 🤔) Universe, we are presented with a unique opportunity.
If we can calculate the trajectory of Earth in relative terms to an observationally valid degree of accuracy, and determine the Solar System's relative location, say, 10 million years ago... Would it not be possible to train our telescopes upon this location and get a glimpse of our own past, if conditions happened to be favorable? In other words, so long as we are not moving away from our prior position in relative terms faster than light can travel, and our view is not otherwise obstructed? And so long as the distance of "past Sun" is not so far away in space and time that its light shifts beyond detectable wavelengths in the radio range of the spectrum?
When we observe the stars throughout our galaxy and beyond, it is well established that we are catching a glimpse of the past. If we observe a star 20,000 lightyears away, account for the expansion of the Universe, and you can know how far back into time you are looking.
Is there any reason this understanding shouldn't or can't be applied to get a better scientific understanding of our own history?