Target Distance and Light Travel: The Impact on Spatial Position

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of light as it travels towards a target while both the Earth and the target are in motion. It is established that if the target is stationary relative to the Earth's surface, its motion is consistent with Earth's orbital and rotational motion, which does not affect the speed of light. The speed of light remains constant at c in all inertial frames, regardless of the motion of the light source or the observer. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the frame of reference when analyzing the interaction between light and moving objects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the speed of light (c) in vacuum
  • Familiarity with inertial frames of reference
  • Basic knowledge of Earth's motion (orbital and rotational)
  • Concept of geocentric vs. heliocentric models
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the second postulate of special relativity
  • Study the effects of motion on light propagation in different frames
  • Explore the Coriolis effect and its impact on light travel on Earth
  • Investigate the relationship between light speed and observer motion
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astronomy enthusiasts, students of relativity, and anyone interested in the dynamics of light and motion in space.

  • #61
cfrogue said:

*I* (Ie, the laws of physics) claim that it doesn't exist and experiments prove it.

How do you prove something does not exist?

May I see the proof?
Yes, please do. Stop asking and look at what has been provided for you. It isn't like I'm going to type a 10,000 word essay on Relativity into the forum.
 
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  • #62
cfrogue said:
Well, you line up the target, the Earth is moving with a rotation and then in its orbit around the sun.

Then the milky way moves.

How do you know where the target will be when the light reaches it?

Are you assuming the target is at absolute rest?
No, I'm a skilled shot and understand the concept of pulling lead on a moving target.
 
  • #63
russ_watters said:
Yes, please do. Stop asking and look at what has been provided for you. It isn't like I'm going to type a 10,000 word essay on Relativity into the forum.

No, I know what a math proof is and you have not provided it.
 
  • #64
...better yet, since your belief is that if a universal reference frame existed it would be undetectable (ie, have no bearing on our observations/experiments), ask yourself why this conversation even matters. In terms of the way the laws of physics work, there is no difference between "undetectable" and "doesn't exist". So why bother even arguing about it?
 
  • #65
russ_watters said:
No, I'm a skilled shot and understand the concept of pulling lead on a moving target.

LOL, good one.
 
  • #66
cfrogue said:
No, I know what a math proof is and you have not provided it.
Math proof of what? I don't think even you know what you are asking!
 
  • #67
cfrogue said:
LOL, good one.
That wasn't a joke. Perhaps this is a game to you, but it isn't to us.
 
  • #68
We're done here. It has come down to you simply wanting to believe something for which you accept there is no evidence, which is just plain irrational. I'm not sure it is possible for us to help you get past that, but if you really want to, you're going to have to put some effort into it. As I said before, there is a sticky on the top of the forum about the experimental basis of Relativity. In it, there is a link to a list of experiments. Read the link and come back with specific questions about specific things you don't understand. But we're not going to keep playing this game of yours.
 

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