This model states that the speed of light (c) was faster in
the past and
that it has slowed over time. The concept was developed Dr. Barry
Setterfield and V. S. Troitskii, based on past measurements of the
speed of light. The data show an apparent decay trend that levels off
as time goes on. It has the added benefit of accelerating nuclear
decay. Since decay rates are related to the speed of light, this
would
destroy radiometric dating.
One of benefits of this theory is that it can be tested by checking in
related values and measuring the speed of light itself and checking
for changes of over time. There should also be an apparent slowing of
motion as one looks further out into space.
The big problem with testing this model is that in 1983 the speed of
light became a defined quantity used to define both length
and time. Any change in speed of light would change length and time,
making any change almost undetectable.
There are other problems with this theory. First of all such a large
change in c
would mean large changes in other quantities and the effect
of such a large change are unknown. It is not even known if life would
be possible. Furthermore the analysis of past measurements has
been questioned. Among other things the oldest measurements have
large
margins of error. The trend could be a result of improvement in
measurement methods. Also, all of the data
points do not fit a curve when graphed. At best it represents a small
fluctuation in c
and not a trend
that could be projected back six to ten thousand years.
This model has fallen out of favor among creationists, but there are
still strong adherents that are still trying to test it. The positive
result of this model is that it has encouraged serious scientific
investigation of this problem.
It was good attempt at a solution, and the first real scientific
solution to this problem to be proposed. It is testable, but it
has problems and does
not seem to have worked out. Hence it can no longer be considered a
good solution.