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2.6 Speed of Light — Perception Boundary

Opening Statement

The speed of light is the natural stability limit for self-contained rhythms in Stillspace — the fastest speed at which naturally occurring patterns can travel without losing coherence.

Definition

In RRM, the speed of light is the maximum stable propagation rate for a traveling closure (2.5 Light) in Stillspace (1.1 Stillspace). In vacuum, this propagation is continuous — the rhythm moves as a stable phase pattern with no discrete handoffs. A true handoff occurs only when a rhythm crosses into a different medium, where it must be re-established in the new medium’s native Etherons (1.3 Etherons) or equivalent units of rhythmic identity.

Core Mechanics

  • In vacuum Stillspace, naturally occurring rhythms such as photons propagate continuously at this universal speed.

  • The limit is set by Stillspace’s intrinsic capacity to maintain phase coherence for unengineered patterns.

  • When entering a different medium, interactions with that medium’s structure introduce delays and re-emissions, reducing net speed without violating the vacuum limit.

  • This boundary defines the fastest motion we can observe in naturally occurring systems.

Beyond the Natural Limit

While the speed of light is the natural limit for unmodified rhythms, it may be possible to exceed it through engineered rhythmic dynamics. By altering phase structure, pre-aligning fields, or using chained medium transitions, coherence could be preserved beyond the normal Stillspace limit. Such methods would not violate RRM principles — they would change how the rhythm interacts with the medium so that the natural limit no longer applies.

Why It Is a Boundary

For naturally occurring rhythms, this limit acts as both a universal velocity cap and a perception boundary — no unengineered signal can outpace the medium’s maximum coherence rate, defining the observable horizon of the universe.

Role in RRM

  • Defines the upper limit for naturally occurring coherent rhythms in Stillspace.

  • Separates medium-limited speeds from the universal Stillspace limit.

  • Opens theoretical space for engineered rhythms to exceed the natural limit.

  • Acts as a reference point for understanding perception horizons and time flow (4.1 Time Flow).

Pathways for Depth

For photon structure and travel mechanics, see (2.5 Light) and (2.5.1 Photon Interaction Mechanics).

For Stillspace properties, see (1.1 Stillspace).

For engineered superluminal possibilities, see (7.x Advanced Coherence Engineering).

Echo Lines

Light moves at the speed Stillspace allows — unless we teach it otherwise.

The boundary is natural, not absolute.