Breakthrough Starshot: 1st Macroscopic Test of Longitudinal Acceleration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Breakthrough Starshot project, which aims to test longitudinal acceleration using a superlaser to propel a small craft to 0.2 times the speed of light (c). Participants explore the implications of relativistic effects at these speeds and the relevance of macroscopic tests in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight that Breakthrough Starshot could enable a macroscopic test of longitudinal acceleration, noting the significance of relativistic effects at high speeds.
  • One participant points out that particle accelerators already utilize longitudinal acceleration, suggesting a comparison to the proposed project.
  • Another participant emphasizes the distinction of "macroscopic" acceleration, indicating that the object being accelerated in this case is larger than those typically used in particle accelerators.
  • There is a discussion about the relevance of macroscopic tests, with some expressing excitement about observing relativistic effects on a larger scale.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the relevance of macroscopic tests of longitudinal acceleration, with some agreeing on the significance of the project while others question the relevance of the distinction made regarding macroscopic versus microscopic acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the implications of relativistic effects and the definitions of macroscopic versus microscopic acceleration remain unresolved, leading to differing interpretations of the project's significance.

greswd
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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.:smile:
 
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greswd said:
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
 
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Particle accelerators use longitudinal acceleration all the time.
 
mfb said:
Particle accelerators use longitudinal acceleration all the time.

you missed the word "macroscopic". the object being accelerated in this case is macroscopic
 
I missed that part, but I also don't see how it would be relevant.
 
mfb said:
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.
 

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