Distant Starlight and the Anisotropic Synchrony Convention: A Challenge from Neutron Star Mergers

“As these neutron stars spiraled together, they emitted gravitational waves that were detectable for about 100 seconds; when they collided, a flash of light in the form of gamma rays was emitted and seen on Earth about two seconds after the gravitational waves.”

The Anisotropic Synchrony Convention (ASC) is a proposed solution to the "distant starlight problem" encountered in young-earth creationism. It was proposed by Dr Jason Lisles of Answers in Genesis. This problem arises from the apparent contradiction between the young earth biblical age of the universe (thousands of years) and the vast distances we observe through telescopes (billions of light-years). The ASC proposes that the speed of light is not constant in all directions, but rather travels instantly towards the observer, explaining how we see light from seemingly young stars.

However, recent observations of neutron star mergers present a significant challenge to the ASC. 

In 2017, the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors observed the collision of two neutron stars from 130 million light years away, followed by the detection of gamma-rays (light rays). 

These observations are crucial because:

1. Simultaneous Arrival: Both gravitational waves and gamma-rays, despite having vastly different natures, arrived at Earth within a margin of error of a couple seconds. They both traveled through space at light speed.

2. Independent Travel: Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime itself, not electromagnetic waves like light. They are not subject to the same interactions or limitations as light, making their speed comparison with gamma-rays particularly meaningful.

3. They represent the “one way speed” of light for the first time. They do not rely on Einstein's Synchrony Convention which the ASC questions.

These observations demonstrate that two different "signals" can traverse vast distances at light speed, regardless of their direction relative to the observer. This directly contradicts the core tenet of the ASC, which stipulates that light travels instantly towards the observer but not in other directions.

Here's a breakdown of the challenge in more detail:

• The Claim of the ASC: The ASC proposes that light traveling towards the observer has an infinite or instantaneous speed, effectively collapsing the distance of the universe. This allows young-earth creationists to reconcile their beliefs with the vast distances observed in the cosmos.

• Challenge from Neutron Star Mergers: The simultaneous arrival of gravitational waves and gamma-rays from a distant neutron star merger demonstrates that even under extreme circumstances, two distinct signals can travel through space at comparable speeds, regardless of their direction relative to the observer. This directly contradicts the claim of the ASC.

Scientific Consensus on Speed of Light:

• Experimental Evidence: All direct measurements of the speed of light, including round-trip methods, consistently confirm a single, finite value: approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (c). This value is independent of direction and observer.

• Einstein's Synchrony Convention: This widely accepted convention assumes the speed of light is constant in all directions for all observers. It aligns with experimental evidence and forms the foundation of modern physics.

The Anisotropic Synchrony Convention (ASC):

• Alternative Model: This model proposes an infinite speed of light towards the observer and half “C” on the return trip. It contradicts experimental evidence and introduces inconsistencies with established physics.

• Limited Applicability: While technically possible to employ within a specific framework, the ASC model is not supported by evidence and doesn't align with the broader understanding of physics.

Creationist Interpretations:

• Accommodation vs. Explanation: The ASC, like other creation models, attempts to accommodate specific religious beliefs within scientific frameworks. However, it doesn't explain or replace well-established scientific principles.

Key Points:

• Scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports a finite, constant speed of light (c) for all observers and directions.

• The ASC model contradicts experimental evidence and introduces inconsistencies with established physics.

Science and Creation Week:

• Reconciling Science and Faith: Many people seek to reconcile their faith with scientific understanding. This is a personal journey, and different approaches exist.

• Scientific Integrity: It's important to avoid compromising scientific integrity when engaging in such discussions. Claims should be based on evidence and not contradict established scientific principles.

• Relativity and the Fabric of Spacetime: Einstein's theory of relativity establishes that light travels at a constant speed in a vacuum, regardless of the source or the observer. The fabric of spacetime itself dictates this speed, making the ASC's claim of variable speed untenable within this framework.

The observations of neutron star mergers, along with broader considerations from physics and cosmology, present a significant challenge to the Anisotropic Synchrony Convention. While it offers a seemingly simple solution to the distant starlight problem, it stands in direct contradiction to multiple well-established scientific principles and observations. 

God fixes the laws of heaven and reveals them night to night:

Jeremiah 33:

Thus says the Lord, 'If My covenant for day and night stand not, and the fixed patterns of heaven and earth I have not established, then I would reject the descendants of Jacob and David My servant, not taking from his descendants rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (the future kingdom of Christ)'" 

The Lord will certainly not reject his future kingdom.

After traveling over a hundred million year's these gravity waves and gamma rays traveled at the same (fixed) speed of light. This speaks to the faithfulness of God's establishment of the fixed laws of heaven which he reveals “night after night.” Astronomers can but observe these faithful laws unfold.

Psalms 19:

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.