Traveling to Andromeda in 2 Months with a Spaceship

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of a spaceship accelerating to the speed of light and traveling to Andromeda. It is mentioned that no material object can truly reach the speed of light and that there are calculations and results for such a journey.
  • #1
LitleBang
64
0
Suppose I have a spaceship that can accelerate to c in one month of acceleration/deceleration of month and I want to travel to Andromeda. From my frame of reference wouldn't my total travel time be two months?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
No material object can accelerate to c, it can only get close to c.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
You may want to see The Relativistic Rocket [1] for details on how to calculate this and what the results are.

[1] http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/rocket.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
Suppose I have a spaceship that can accelerate to c in one month of acceleration
Assuming this means "very, very close to c": 1 month in which system? For the ship: then sure. For earth? Then the ship will experience even less time.
 
  • #5


I must clarify that the concept of accelerating to the speed of light (c) is currently theoretical and has not been achieved in reality. However, for the sake of this hypothetical scenario, let's assume it is possible.

Based on the information provided, if your spaceship can accelerate to c in one month and decelerate in another month, then your total travel time from your frame of reference would indeed be two months. However, from an external observer's frame of reference, the travel time would be longer due to the effects of time dilation.

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, as an object approaches the speed of light, time slows down for that object. This means that while you may experience two months of travel time, an observer on Earth would see the journey taking longer due to the time dilation effect.

Furthermore, traveling to Andromeda, which is approximately 2.5 million light-years away, would still take millions of years even at the speed of light. Therefore, even with advanced technology, it would not be possible to reach Andromeda in just two months.

In conclusion, while the concept of traveling at the speed of light is fascinating, it is currently not feasible with our current understanding of physics. And even if it were possible, the journey to Andromeda would still take an incredibly long time, far more than just two months.
 

1. How is it possible to travel to Andromeda in just 2 months with a spaceship?

Currently, it is not possible to travel to Andromeda in just 2 months with a spaceship. The distance between Earth and Andromeda is approximately 2.5 million light years, which would take over 2 million years to travel at the speed of light. Even with advanced technology, it would take decades or even centuries to reach Andromeda.

2. What kind of spaceship would be needed for this journey?

The spaceship needed for this journey would have to be incredibly advanced and capable of traveling at incredible speeds. It would also need to be equipped with advanced life support systems, shielding from cosmic radiation, and a powerful propulsion system to cover such a vast distance in a short amount of time.

3. What are the potential risks of traveling to Andromeda in 2 months?

The potential risks of traveling to Andromeda in 2 months are numerous. The journey would be incredibly long and dangerous, with the possibility of encountering unforeseen obstacles or encountering hostile alien life forms. The crew would also be exposed to high levels of radiation and would have to endure extreme physical and psychological stress.

4. How would the crew survive such a long journey?

The crew would have to be carefully selected and undergo rigorous training to prepare for the journey. They would also need to have advanced medical technology and supplies to sustain their physical health. Additionally, the spaceship would need to have advanced life support systems and a reliable source of food and water to sustain the crew during the journey.

5. What scientific discoveries could be made during this journey to Andromeda?

The journey to Andromeda could potentially lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. The crew could observe and study different stars, planets, and galaxies along the way. They could also collect data on the effects of long-term space travel on the human body and explore the possibilities of interstellar communication and travel. Additionally, the journey could provide valuable insights into the origins and evolution of the universe.

Similar threads

I Collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda and Redshift
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Stargazing Inquiry Regarding Hypothetical Faster-Than-Light Travel Scenario
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
917
B Can the "Dark Energy" concept be wrong?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
13
Views
2K
I Does Special Relativity Change Our Perception of Others?
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
47
Views
3K
B I'm a rookie and I have a question about spacetime
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
1K
Abt seeing the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye in future
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
2K
I Can someone falsify this analogy contradicting time dilation?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
25
Views
660
B When does the perspective from the cockpit of a spaceship change?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
30
Views
3K
B A Scenic Trip as a Spaceship at 0.999...c, and questions that arise
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
I Special relativity puzzle relating to motion of a body when restrictions are placed on the Doppler shift of the body
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
394

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top