Faster than the speed of light

Author: (USA) Ma Guyou / Zhang Xianrun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Although Dr. Ma Guyou's ideas were fiercely attacked by some physicists, his talent was unmatched. Before the alternative theory of the speed of light took shape, he was one of the most promising physicists in the UK. His theory even predicted how the universe would end and how it might be reborn. — Discover magazine
The writing is lively, spirited, and bold. — The New York Times
Dr. Ma Guyou introduces the idea that the speed of light was faster in the early universe. If his VSL (varying speed of light) theory is confirmed, it would not only solve some of the most challenging problems in astronomy but also hold great significance for physics research. Recent studies show that whenever we delve into the unknown realms of physics, we always find something in the VSL theory. — Physics Today
In cosmology, every new idea is initially a guess. Guessing is something people often do, and it plays a crucial role in the development of theoretical physics. Then, people begin to explore, doubt, question, and generate new guesses, hoping for a new theory that can better explain experimental results. The work of scientists is to doubt all previous theories, propose wild new theories, and engage in endless debate. Now, to "change" the speed of light is not only rebellious but also fundamentally absent from the vocabulary of physics. Countless experiments have proven this fundamental concept, and relativity has become the central idea for understanding the universe.
Ma Guyou's far-reaching "variable speed of light" (VSL) theory posits that the speed of light was faster in the early universe. Under this assumption, at least some cosmological problems can be explained without the inflation theory. The idea is elegant and simple, but as soon as Ma Guyou conceived it, he felt uneasy, because it would require overturning the physical world established by modern physics based on relativity. In fact, solving cosmological problems in the VSL theory seems unavoidable. From one perspective, the mysteries of cosmology almost tell us that light traveled faster in the past, and the fundamental laws of physics must be built on a broader structure than relativity.
In the realm of science, people endlessly debate and express differing opinions. Science is nothing more than a process of testing new ideas and accepting or rejecting them. This book tells the journey of a renowned scientist's VSL theory, challenging Einstein—and potentially risking a physicist's career. The author confidently conveys the feeling that learning science is not only fun but also enriches one's life experience. For this reason, the story of VSL may be more exciting and vivid than people imagine. This book is suitable for anyone who wants to glimpse the development of modern cosmology, learn how scientists propose, develop, and complete their ideas, or even for young students aspiring to enter the field. Compared to general popular science books, this one reveals more private details, conveying the extraordinary pursuit of a young scientist to interpret the true nature of the universe and the struggles to defend their ideas.
Although scientists may come and go, science itself remains one of the purest things this not-so-pure world can offer.