Sp. Relativity: supernova explosion

In summary, a star D goes supernova at x=0 and t=0, and one year later at 2 ly away (measured by astronomers in the galaxy), star E explodes. This is observed by 3 spaceships with respective velocities of v1=0.3c, v2=0.5c, and v3=0.7c, traveling from D to E. The times of the two explosions as measured by scientists on each spaceship can be calculated using the spacetime interval or Lorentz transformations. It is possible that one spaceship may find the explosions to be simultaneous, while another may find that E explodes before D. This could potentially violate causality, as the explosions were observed to be simultaneous
  • #1
hy23
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Homework Statement


Star D goes supernova at x=0 and t=0. One year later and 2 ly away (measured by astronomers in the galaxy), star E explodes. The explosions are observed by 3 spaceships going from D to E at respective velocities:
v1=0.3c
v2=0.5c
v3=0.7c

What are the times of the two explosions as measured by scientists on each of the 3 spaceships?
Does one spaceship find the explosions to be simultaneous? Does this violate causality?
Does one spaceship find that E explodes before D? Does this violate causality?



Homework Equations


Not sure whether or not to use the spacetime interval or Lorentz transformations
s2=c2t2-x2
x'=[tex]\gamma[/tex](x-vt)
t'=[tex]\gamma[/tex](t-vx/c2)
where [tex]\gamma[/tex]= t/t'
where t' is proper time. ( I hope I have this right at least)


The Attempt at a Solution


I haven't done the calculations yet because I have no idea which equation to plug my values into, but just looking at it qualitatively, isn't the time that D explodes always going to be t=0 for all 3 spaceships?
And the spaceships traveling faster will find that E explodes earlier?
 
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  • #2
Would this not violate causality? Since the explosions were simultaneous according to people in the galaxy, the time that E explodes before D would be different for each of the 3 spaceships, so wouldn't causality be violated?
 

1. What is special relativity and how does it relate to supernova explosions?

Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that explains the relationship between time and space in the presence of gravity. It is relevant to supernova explosions because it helps us understand the behavior of light and matter in extreme conditions, such as those found during a supernova explosion.

2. What causes a supernova explosion?

A supernova explosion is caused by the death of a massive star. When a star runs out of fuel, it can no longer generate enough energy to counteract the force of gravity, causing it to collapse in on itself. This collapse creates a shock wave that leads to a massive explosion, releasing an enormous amount of energy and creating a bright burst of light in the process.

3. How does special relativity explain the observations of supernova explosions?

Special relativity explains the observations of supernova explosions by taking into account the effects of time dilation and length contraction. Time dilation, or the slowing down of time, occurs when an object is moving at high speeds. This is important for understanding the behavior of light during a supernova explosion. Length contraction, on the other hand, refers to the shortening of an object's length in the direction of motion. This helps explain the observed changes in the size and brightness of a supernova explosion.

4. Can special relativity predict the behavior of supernova explosions?

Special relativity can help predict the behavior of supernova explosions, but it is not the only factor at play. Other factors, such as the mass and composition of the star, also play a role in determining how a supernova explosion will behave. However, special relativity is an important tool in understanding and predicting the behavior of light and matter during these extreme events.

5. How does special relativity impact our understanding of the universe?

Special relativity has significantly impacted our understanding of the universe by providing a framework for understanding the behavior of objects moving at high speeds and in the presence of gravity. It has helped us make sense of puzzling phenomena, such as the behavior of light during a supernova explosion, and has led to important discoveries and advancements in the field of astrophysics.

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