Schrödinger’s clock: Time could tick faster and slower at the same time
Researchers are investigating the possibility that time can exist in a quantum superposition, where a clock could tick both faster and slower simultaneously. This concept challenges traditional views of time as fixed and universal, as proposed by Einstein's theory of relativity. Advances in atomic clock technology may soon allow scientists to test this intriguing hypothesis in the laboratory.
- ▪Scientists are exploring whether a single clock can exist in a quantum superposition, ticking faster and slower at the same time.
- ▪The research is led by Assistant Professor Igor Pikovski and involves teams from Colorado State University and NIST.
- ▪The study suggests that combining advanced atomic clocks with quantum mechanics could reveal new insights into the nature of time.
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| Original publisher | ScienceDaily |
| Canonical URL | https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260517211440.htm |
| Publication time | Mon, 18 May 2026 06:21:09 EDT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-18T10:44:56.450Z |
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Science News from research organizations Schrödinger’s clock: Time could tick faster and slower at the same time Scientists may soon test whether time itself can exist in a quantum superposition — with clocks ticking faster and slower at the same time. Date: May 18, 2026 Source: Stevens Institute of Technology Summary: Time might be even stranger than Einstein imagined. Physicists are now exploring the possibility that a single clock could exist in a quantum superposition, ticking both faster and slower at the same time — almost like Schrödinger’s cat being both alive and dead simultaneously. Using incredibly precise atomic clocks and cutting-edge quantum technologies, researchers believe they may soon be able to test this bizarre prediction in the lab for the first time.
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