I am hungry for knowledge, and nothing interests me more then the cosmos and quantum theory, however I am having some trouble grasping a few concepts. I'm hoping someone with a good understanding of the topics listed above can explain it in a way that I, a semi-lamen, can comprehend.
First, what exactly is space? I've been under the impression that space is simply the absence of matter or energy, but I've heard and read many articles that have stated something along the lines of "...bending of spacetime...". If space is simply nothing, as I have assumed, then how can it be "bent"?
Also, am I correct in my understanding that Time is simply the measurement of...well for lack of a better word..."time" its take for an object in space to move from point a to point b? Other then that I see no real existence of time other then as a human perception.
While reading up on General Relativity I have noticed lots of anologies concerning a person travelling to a destination at, or near, the speed of light and returning after an alloted time. A time which is relativley different for the traveller and those here on earth. What happens at the speed of light that causes time to past slower for the traveller? My rationalization keeps telling me that someone leaving earth at the speed of light, and travels for 5 years, then returns at the same speed would arrive back in 10 years for both the traveller an earth. Maybe the Travellar would feel a little motion sick, and need a good shower, but other than that I can't grasp how time could possibly pass slower for him/her.
Hopefully someone out there can understand my ramblings and put an explanation in terms I can understand. If you believe you can, please do. I really wish to better understand these "basic" comsmotological concepts.
Thanks,