Final answer:
Ignoring Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity would make it seem possible to travel faster than light, time travel to the past, communicate instantaneously over long distances, and travel between galaxies faster than light.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we were to ignore Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, several seemingly impossible events would appear possible, assuming that there is enough fuel to accelerate to the implied speeds. These include:
- Traveling faster than light: In the absence of relativity, there wouldn't be a speed limit capping at the speed of light (approximately 3.00×108 m/s), thus theoretically allowing us to surpass that limit.
- Time travel to the past: Without the constraints of relativity, the concept of time could be more fluid, potentially allowing for travel to the past.
- Instantaneous communication over long distances: Ignoring the limits set by relativity, it could be possible to communicate across vast distances without the time lag imposed by the finite speed of light.
- Faster-than-light travel between galaxies: This would seem possible as the intergalactic medium would not impose the relativistic speed limit, allowing for swift travel across the cosmos.
Without the Special Theory of Relativity, the old concept that speeds can simply be additive (like a ball thrown from a moving train) would seemingly allow for cumulative speeds greater than light, contradicting our current understanding that such speeds are impossible as they violate relativistic principles.