Relativity of distances/lengths

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SUMMARY

Einstein's theory of relativity states that as an object approaches the speed of light, lengths of objects in the direction of motion contract. This contraction applies to distances traveled as well, meaning that an observer moving at relativistic speeds can measure a distance of one light year in less than one year of their own time. However, according to the principles of relativity, no object can exceed the speed of light in any frame of reference.

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  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with concepts of time dilation and length contraction
  • Basic knowledge of the speed of light as a universal constant
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according to einstein's theory, lengths of objects around you become shorter as you travel close tot he speed of light. does the distance that you travel also become shorter? or does this theory only refer to the length of objects horizontal to the direction you are going in?

because if the distance in front of you becomes shorter then you could theoretically travel a lightyear in less than a year... i don't think that is supposed to be possible
 
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All distances along the direction of motion will be contracted according to your measurements. So yes, it is definitely possible to traverse a distance of 1 light year according to Earth observers (for example) in less than one year of your time if you go fast enough. (But nothing is observed to move faster than light in any frame.)
 

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