Is this correct?"Calculating Time of Astronaut's Trip Across 15 Light-Years

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The discussion focuses on calculating the total time an astronaut spends away from Earth while traveling to a star 15 light-years away at 0.999c, spending 10 years on the planet, and returning. Key equations discussed include Δt = γ Δt' for time dilation and Δt = γ(1+(1/2)β^2) for calculating round-trip time. Participants emphasize the importance of considering the relative speed of the planet and whether the Earth and exoplanet clocks share a reference frame. The impact of time dilation and length contraction in the astronaut's frame is also highlighted, suggesting the use of space-time diagrams for clarity. The calculations ultimately depend on the relativistic effects experienced during the journey.
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Homework Statement


An astronaut travels from the Earth at a speed of 0.999c to a star that us 15 light-years away (as measured by someone from earth). she spends 10 years on one of the star's planets (as measured by someone on that planet) and then returns to Earth at 0.999c. How long has she been away (1) as measured by someone on the Earth and (2) as measured by her?

Homework Equations



Δt = γ Δt'

The Attempt at a Solution



I am trying to measure the time it took for her to go to the planet and come back by
Δt = γ(1+(1/2)* β^2 )
and then the time she spent on the planet counted by someone on the Earth by
Δt = γ Δt'
where ...Δt' = 10 yr ...is this right
and add all the values ...

For the B part I calculated the distance for her in the ship
by L = Lp √ 1- β*β
and based on this new distance did the same calculation as part A ...
 
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sexy_brittany said:

Homework Statement


An astronaut travels from the Earth at a speed of 0.999c to a star that us 15 light-years away (as measured by someone from earth). she spends 10 years on one of the star's planets (as measured by someone on that planet) and then returns to Earth at 0.999c. How long has she been away (1) as measured by someone on the Earth and (2) as measured by her?
Depends on the relative speed of the planet doesn't it. Can you assume the Earth and Exoplaten clocks share a reference frame?

I am trying to measure the time it took for her to go to the planet and come back by
Δt = γ(1+(1/2)* β^2 )
and then the time she spent on the planet counted by someone on the Earth by
Δt = γ Δt'
where ...Δt' = 10 yr ...is this right
and add all the values ...
In her reference frame, the Earth and the planet are moving at 0.999c, and their distance is contracted.

You should draw the space-time diagrams for each reference frame to compare them.
http://www.physicsguy.com/ftl/html/FTL_part2.html#sec:twin
 
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