Speed of Light: Length Contraction & 20AU Paths

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SUMMARY

Traveling at speeds near the speed of light results in length contraction, meaning that a 20 astronomical unit (AU) path would appear shorter to the traveler. However, this phenomenon does not alter the constant speed of light, which remains at approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (c). Both the traveler, who experiences the contracted distance, and an observer at rest will measure the light traveling between the two points at the speed of light. The relationship between contracted length and dilated time confirms that the speed of light remains invariant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts
  • Familiarity with length contraction and time dilation
  • Basic knowledge of astronomical units (AU)
  • Comprehension of the speed of light (c)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of special relativity on space travel
  • Explore mathematical derivations of length contraction
  • Study time dilation effects in high-speed travel scenarios
  • Examine real-world applications of relativity in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the implications of special relativity on space travel and the nature of light.

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traveling at the ~speed of light leads to length contraction.
based on that wouldn't a 20AU path be shorter if traveled at speeds near the speed of light ?
 
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EbolaHost said:
traveling at the ~speed of light leads to length contraction.
based on that wouldn't a 20AU path be shorter if traveled at speeds near the speed of light ?

Yes. However that doesn't change the speed of light. Because of time dilation both the traveler (who sees the distance contracted) and an observer at rest relative to the endpoints of the traveler's journey will find that a flash of light travels between the two points at the speed of light - divide the contracted length by the dilated time and you'll get ##c##.
 

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