Different Simultaneity for telescopes in space and earth?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of Lorentz transformations and how they affect the simultaneous observation of events in different reference frames. It is explained that due to light travel time, distant sources can never be observed simultaneously and that telescopes in the same motion will observe them in the same state. The difference in times assigned to the events themselves and the time of observation is also clarified.
  • #1
ofirg
129
13
I was just wondering. According to Lorentz transformations, if two events are simultaneous in one reference frame, they will generally not be simultaneous in another.
The time difference that I get between the two events in the other reference frame is

[itex]\Delta t^{`} = \gamma\beta\Delta x \approx {\Large \frac{\beta^{3}}{2}} \Delta x[/itex]

Where the approximation assumes [itex]\beta \ll 1[/itex]

Now, for space born objects [itex]\beta \approx 3 \cdot 10^{-5}[/itex] so

[itex]\Delta t^{`} \approx 10^{-14} \Delta x[/itex] where [itex] \Delta x[/itex] is in light time.

If one takes a distance of 100 Mpc then [itex]\Delta t^{`} \approx 10 sec [/itex]

So If I have two distant transient sources that give a signal at more or less the same time on earth, a space telescope will observe them at a noticeable time difference?
 
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  • #2
No. You can never observe distant sources as they are "simultaneously" to the observation due to light travel time. Telescopes at the same event in motion wrt each other will observe distant objects in the same state (modulo redshifts and aberration).
 
  • #3
Thanks For the reply.

I see now that I mixed up the times that the telescopes will assign to the events themselves ( the time that the sources output the signal) which will be different And the time of observation, which will be the same.
 

1. How do telescopes in space and on Earth experience different simultaneity?

Telescopes in space and on Earth experience different simultaneity because they are observing objects from different distances. Objects in space are much farther away, which means that the light reaching the telescope on Earth has traveled a longer distance and taken more time to reach it compared to the telescope in space. This difference in distance and time leads to a difference in the perceived simultaneity of events.

2. Can telescopes in space and on Earth be synchronized to experience the same simultaneity?

No, telescopes in space and on Earth cannot be synchronized to experience the same simultaneity. This is because the speed of light is constant and cannot be altered. Additionally, the distance between the telescopes and the observed objects cannot be changed. Therefore, the difference in simultaneity between the two telescopes is a fundamental aspect of observing objects in space.

3. How does the concept of different simultaneity impact our understanding of the universe?

The concept of different simultaneity has a significant impact on our understanding of the universe. It allows us to understand that events in the universe do not occur simultaneously, but rather at different times due to the vast distances between objects. This helps us to better comprehend the true scale of the universe and the complex interactions between celestial bodies.

4. Are there any advantages to having telescopes in space and on Earth experiencing different simultaneity?

Yes, there are advantages to having telescopes in space and on Earth experiencing different simultaneity. This allows for a broader range of observations and data collection. Telescopes in space can observe objects that are too distant or faint for Earth-based telescopes to see, while Earth-based telescopes can capture more detailed images of closer objects. Combining these observations can give us a more comprehensive understanding of the universe.

5. How does the concept of different simultaneity affect the accuracy of astronomical measurements?

The concept of different simultaneity does not significantly impact the accuracy of astronomical measurements. Astronomers take into account the different distances and times involved when interpreting data from telescopes in space and on Earth. This allows for accurate calculations and comparisons between observations. However, it is essential to understand the concept of different simultaneity to accurately interpret and analyze astronomical data.

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