Memory Alpha
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Memory Alpha

A temporal differential (or space-time differential) is a phenomenon where time passes at different rates in two separate locations.

The subspace pocket circumscribed by a Delta Quadrant subspace sinkhole, encountered by USS Voyager, experienced a temporal differential of 1.4744 seconds outside per minute inside. (VOY: "Gravity")

A planet with a tachyon core, discovered by Voyager in 2376, experienced a temporal differential of approximately one second outside per 16 hours inside. When the inhabitants of the planet attempted to explore Voyager, the transition between their time frame and Voyager's proved debilitating. The planet's civilization eventually developed temporal compensators, which allowed them to briefly interact with the normal space-time continuum. (VOY: "Blink of an Eye")

The concept of time passing at different rates in different locations is predicted by the theories of relativity, in which time slows down when one approaches the speed of light or regions of higher gravitational distortion. The above phenomena may work along similar principles.

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