# 1st Macroscopic Test of Longitudinal Acceleration?

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## Main Question or Discussion Point

Breakthrough Starshot is an ambitious project that aims to use a superlaser to push a tiny craft up to 0.2 c
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakthrough_Starshot

At such speeds, it would be possible to perform a macroscopic test of the longitudinal acceleration, provided the craft has an accelerometer on itself.

$a=\frac{F}{γ^3m}$

The faster the craft, the less its acceleration. At 0.2 c, the difference is about 6%, small but very large by relativistic standards.

Maybe we're finally entering the era where relativistic effects will become extremely significant.

Related Special and General Relativity News on Phys.org
Maybe we're finally entering the era where relativistic effects will become extremely significant.
I thought they already had with the GPS being almost ubiquitous in modern technology. Nonetheless, a fascinating project.

Regards Andrew

mfb
Mentor
Particle accelerators use longitudinal acceleration all the time.

Particle accelerators use longitudinal acceleration all the time.
you missed the word "macroscopic". the object being accelerated in this case is macroscopic

mfb
Mentor
I missed that part, but I also don't see how it would be relevant.

I missed that part, but I also don't see how it would be relevant.
Its exciting to see relativistic effects at such a large extent.