Orbiting Time Dilation: Who is Younger?

In summary: I think some of the concepts are going over my headThat is a difficult question to answer.In summary, two ships orbit a planet in opposite directions and the planet is not rotating. Assuming the planet is in an inertial frame, equal times elapse on the ships between meetings. Special relativity does not predict time dilation between the two ships since there is a relative velocity between them. They may see each other's clocks running differently, but the ageing, or elapsed time will be the same for both when they meet. It is difficult to determine when relativity applies and what the ships see is a difficult question to answer.
  • #1
g_sanguinetti
25
0
Two ships orbit a planet in opposite directions. Each time they pass each other who is younger?
 
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  • #2
Is the planet rotating ? If so, how are the orbits aligned wrt to the poles ?
 
  • #3
The planet is not rotating.
 
  • #4
Assuming the planet is in inertial frame, equal times elapse on the ships between meetings.
 
  • #5
Doesn't special relativity predict time dilation between the two ships since there is a relative velocity between them?
 
  • #6
g_sanguinetti said:
Doesn't special relativity predict time dilation between the two ships since there is a relative velocity between them?

No,; this a common misconception.
 
  • #7
g_sanguinetti said:
Doesn't special relativity predict time dilation between the two ships since there is a relative velocity between them?
They may see each others clocks running differently, but the ageing, or elapsed time will be the same for both when they meet.
 
  • #8
George Jones said:
No,; this a common misconception.

So then, when does and when does not relativity apply?
 
  • #9
Mentz114 said:
They may see each others clocks running differently, but the ageing, or elapsed time will be the same for both when they meet.

What do they see?
 
  • #10
g_sanguinetti said:
What do they see?

That is a difficult question to answer. I've worked out the time-dilation between radially separated observers here -

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=244511

I'll try and do the sums for orbiting observers at some time. Watch this space.

M
 

Related to Orbiting Time Dilation: Who is Younger?

What is orbiting time dilation?

Orbiting time dilation is a phenomenon in which time passes at different rates for objects in different orbits due to the effects of gravity. This is a result of Einstein's theory of relativity.

How does orbiting time dilation affect the aging of astronauts?

Due to the difference in gravitational forces experienced by objects in different orbits, time passes slower for astronauts in orbit compared to those on Earth. This means that astronauts age slightly slower than their counterparts on Earth.

How much younger would an astronaut be after spending a year in orbit?

The amount of time dilation experienced by an astronaut depends on the specific orbit and the duration of the mission. However, it is estimated that an astronaut would age approximately 0.007 seconds slower for every six months spent in orbit.

Is orbiting time dilation the only factor that affects the aging of astronauts?

No, there are other factors such as exposure to radiation and the effects of microgravity that can also impact the aging of astronauts. However, orbiting time dilation is a significant factor that must be taken into account in space missions.

Does orbiting time dilation have any practical applications?

Yes, orbiting time dilation is a well-established phenomenon that is taken into account when designing and operating systems such as GPS satellites. Without accounting for this effect, the accuracy of GPS systems would be significantly reduced.

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