10 Scientists Who Claimed to Have Found Time Travel

Certain scientists throughout history have claimed to have achieved or could achieve time travel, capturing public attention and sparking debate.

  • Tricia Quitales
  • 4 min read
10 Scientists Who Claimed to Have Found Time Travel
Tran on Pexels

Time travel has fascinated humanity for centuries, blurring the line between science and imagination. Some scientists have boldly claimed to have discovered methods to move through time, sparking intrigue and controversy. Their claims range from theoretical breakthroughs to purported experimental successes.

1. 1. John Titor and the Temporal Machine

not credited on wikimedia

not credited on wikimedia

John Titor claimed to be a time traveler from the year 2036 who accessed the past using a complex machine. He provided detailed explanations about the supposed workings of his device, including the use of a stationary trunk-based system. While Titor’s story lacks verifiable evidence, it captivated online communities and time travel enthusiasts.

2. 2. Nikola Tesla’s Time Manipulation Notes

Barraud on wikimedia

Barraud on wikimedia

Tesla reportedly experimented with concepts involving vibrations and electricity that some interpret as attempts to manipulate time. He left cryptic notes suggesting the possibility of traversing temporal dimensions. While there is no evidence that he built a functioning time machine, speculation persists among enthusiasts.

3. 3. Ronald Mallett and the Rotating Laser Experiment

cottonbro studio on pexels

cottonbro studio on pexels

Physicist Ronald Mallett designed a theoretical model using rotating lasers to twist space-time, potentially enabling time travel. He based his ideas on Einstein’s general relativity and the concept of frame dragging. Mallett published several papers outlining the mathematical framework behind the device. While his proposals remain theoretical, they have gained significant media attention.

4. 4. Claude Poher and Temporal Experimentation

Claude LACOURARIE on wikimedia

Claude LACOURARIE on wikimedia

French physicist Claude Poher claimed experiments with electromagnetic fields might influence temporal perception. He theorized that altering certain quantum states could allow glimpses of past events. His publications generated debate but no conclusive experimental verification. Poher’s approach bridged physics with speculative temporal research.

5. 5. John Archibald Wheeler and Spacetime Loops

Photographer not named. on wikimedia

Photographer not named. on wikimedia

Renowned physicist John Archibald Wheeler explored the concept of closed timelike curves. These loops in spacetime theoretically permit an object to return to its past. Wheeler discussed the idea with colleagues as a potential form of time travel. While he never claimed personal success, his theoretical contributions remain influential. They inspired future investigations into quantum time mechanics.

6. 6. Miguel Alcubierre and the Warp Bubble Concept

Campus Party Mexico powered by MoviStar (alviseni) on wikimedia

Campus Party Mexico powered by MoviStar (alviseni) on wikimedia

Miguel Alcubierre proposed the concept of a warp bubble in general relativity, theoretically allowing faster-than-light travel. Some interpretations suggest this could create temporal effects, indirectly enabling time travel. While strictly theoretical, the concept has been discussed in relation to manipulating spacetime.

7. 7. Chrononaut Claims of Paul Temple

Public domain on wikimedia

Public domain on wikimedia

Paul Temple, a lesser-known scientist, claimed to have developed a mechanical time-travel device in the 1950s. He allegedly tested it with small objects before attempting human trials. Reports are anecdotal, and no verifiable evidence exists. Temple’s story is referenced in fringe science literature. His claims contribute to the cultural mythology of time travel research.

8. 8. Igor Smirnov and Temporal Perception Studies

Newyork48 on wikimedia

Newyork48 on wikimedia

Russian researcher Igor Smirnov explored the psychological perception of time and claimed limited experimental success in “temporal conditioning.” He suggested that altering brain rhythms could allow glimpses of past or future events. Although controversial, his work intersects neuroscience and theoretical time studies.

9. 9. Franklin Chang and Time Manipulation Proposals

NASA on wikimedia

NASA on wikimedia

Physicist Franklin Chang discussed theoretical possibilities for time travel using high-energy particle accelerators. He proposed models suggesting that manipulating extreme gravitational conditions could influence temporal flow. His work remained largely theoretical but inspired further discussion among physicists. Chang emphasized that practical experimentation is far from feasible.

10. 10. David Lewis and Temporal Logic Experiments

David Lewis on wikimedia

David Lewis on wikimedia

Philosopher and scientist David Lewis analyzed time travel using rigorous temporal logic. He claimed that certain hypothetical constructs in logic could allow backward movement in time. While purely theoretical, his reasoning has influenced scientific debates on causality and paradoxes. Lewis’ work bridges philosophy and physics, offering a framework for understanding time travel scenarios.

Written by: Tricia Quitales

Tricia is a recent college graduate whose true passion lies in writing—a hobby she’s cherished for years. Now a Content Writer at Illumeably, Tricia combines her love for storytelling with her fascination for personal growth. She’s all about continuous learning, taking risks, and using her words to connect with and inspire others.

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