Is it possible to see at high speeds?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Deepak Kapur
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the question of whether it is possible to see objects, specifically Earth, while traveling at speeds close to the speed of light. Participants explore the implications of relativistic effects on visibility, including Doppler shifts and the perception of distances and sizes at high velocities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that it may be possible to see Earth while traveling at high speeds, but the experience would differ from what Lorentz transformations predict.
  • Consideration of Doppler shifts and varying distances to different points on Earth's surface is highlighted as important for understanding visibility at high speeds.
  • One participant notes that at high speeds, the apparent size of Earth would be significantly reduced compared to the distance traveled in one second, raising questions about the clarity of observation.
  • There is speculation about whether increasing the distance from Earth would improve visibility, but concerns are raised about losing detail and only seeing an oval shape instead of a sphere.
  • Questions are raised about the ability to see small objects, such as a clock, at relativistic speeds and whether high-speed cameras could capture clear images or would also be distorted.
  • One participant challenges the relevance of asking about visibility at near-light speeds if similar effects are already observable at lower speeds, such as 100 kph.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the feasibility of seeing objects at high speeds, with no consensus reached on the implications of relativistic effects on visibility.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the problem, including the effects of speed on perception and the limitations of current understanding regarding relativistic optics.

Deepak Kapur
Messages
78
Reaction score
0
Is it possible to see at high speeds. If we speed past Earth in a spaceship that is traveling near the velocity of light, would we be able to see the Earth at all?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Deepak Kapur said:
If we speed past Earth in a spaceship that is traveling near the velocity of light, would we be able to see the Earth at all?

I would think so, although it wouldn't be the same as what the Lorentz transformations specify. (Those provide information about measurements made with distributed clocks, etc.) With regard to seeing fast moving objects, one would need to take into account Doppler shifts, different distances to different points on the object's surface at a give instant, etc. It's an interesting problem.
 
GRDixon said:
I would think so, although it wouldn't be the same as what the Lorentz transformations specify. (Those provide information about measurements made with distributed clocks, etc.) With regard to seeing fast moving objects, one would need to take into account Doppler shifts, different distances to different points on the object's surface at a give instant, etc. It's an interesting problem.

I meant to say that Earth's diameter/circumference will be extremely-2 small in comparison to the distance that we would cover in one second.

While going very fast in a car we are not able to notice even substantially big things (that are near our car) with clarity even if we are not driving (because they move past us in a very short span of time).

Does it mean that increasing the distance of our spaceship from the Earth would solve the problem to some extent. But what would be the real benefit then, we would just be seeing an oval shaped thing instead of a sphere (what about the details on the Earth's surface)?

Or for that matter would we be able to see small things (say a clock) while moving at speeds comparable to the speed of light. Could high speed cameras help us in this regard or they too would produce distorted/unclear pictures?
 
Deepak Kapur said:
While going very fast in a car we are not able to notice even substantially big things (that are near our car) with clarity even if we are not driving (because they move past us in a very short span of time).
If you already know that the velocity-related effect you are interested in is present at 100 kph then why would you even bother to ask if it is present near the speed of light?
 
Deepak Kapur said:
I meant to say that Earth's diameter/circumference will be extremely-2 small in comparison to the distance that we would cover in one second.

Surprisingly, it isn't. See here the correct representation.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Ships passing each other at near light speed
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
743
High School What reference frame is used for the velocity v in the Lorentz transformation?
  • · Replies 53 ·
2
Replies
53
Views
3K
High School Would We See the Same Light After Traveling Back to Earth Faster Than Light?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad The paradox of symmetrical time dilation
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Undergrad Effects of time dilation for near-speed-of-light travel
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
13K
High School Time traveling in the future and in the past
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Undergrad Can someone falsify this analogy contradicting time dilation?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
High School New Paradox Discovered, I Think
  • · Replies 98 ·
4
Replies
98
Views
9K
High School Time Travel: Can Humans Go Faster Than Ordinary Speed?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Meaningfulness of the speed of light
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K