How does gravity affect time dilation?

Can you explain how gravity affects time dilation?

Sure! According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time runs slower in stronger gravitational fields. This means that the closer you are to a massive object, like a planet or a star, the slower time passes for you compared to someone further away.

So, if I were on a planet with stronger gravity, would I age slower?

Exactly! If you were on a planet with stronger gravity, time would pass more slowly for you compared to someone on a planet with weaker gravity. This effect is known as gravitational time dilation.

Can you give me an example of this in real life?

Certainly! A practical example is the GPS satellites orbiting Earth. They experience less gravity than people on the surface, so their clocks tick slightly faster. Engineers have to account for this time difference to ensure GPS accuracy.

That's fascinating! Does this mean time travel is possible?

In a way, yes! While we can't travel back in time, traveling at high speeds or being in strong gravitational fields can allow you to experience time differently, which is a form of time travel.