Time Dilation Between Astronaut A and Person B

In summary, time dilation is a phenomenon that occurs when there is a difference in the passage of time between two individuals due to their relative motion or the strength of gravity. In the case of an astronaut traveling at high speeds in space, time will pass slower for them compared to a person on Earth. This is due to the effects of special relativity and has been confirmed by experiments with atomic clocks on spacecraft. Time dilation is an important concept to consider in space exploration and has implications for our understanding of the universe and the nature of time.
  • #1
kevinki
3
1
Definitions:
Astronaut is A
Person on Earth is B

A travels to a star far away at near light speed,
A would see B's time dilate.
B would also see A's time dilate

Twin paradox revived:
What would happen if A returns to B at a very slow speed?
Then both frames of reference would see each others' time dilated.
A thinks 20 years passed, but only 10 years passed for B,
ans B thinks 20 years passed, but only 10 years passed for A.
 
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  • #2
As always, the traveling twin would experience a shorter time. You are, I think, failing to account for the relativity of simultaneity, which means that the traveller's definition of "now on Earth" changes at the turn over. That doesn't happen for the stay-at-home, and that leads to both twins having consistent expectations of the other's journey duration.
 
  • #3
The Twin Paradox, at its core, does not have anything to do with high speeds, it's just that the outcome is more dramatic when high speeds are involved. Airline pilot's ages routinely differ from what their age would be had they never flown, it's just that the difference is in milliseconds (if that much) rather than more noticeable amounts.
 
  • #5
kevinki said:
Definitions:
Astronaut is A
Person on Earth is B
Okay...

A travels to a star far away at near light speed,
A would see B's time dilate.
B would also see A's time dilate

Yes-s-s, but you must account for doppler effect. Actually what A (and B) actually see for each other opposite will be much slower. It's because of Doppler effect.Twin paradox revived:
What would happen if A returns to B at a very slow speed?
Then both frames of reference would see each others' time dilated.

Yes. But don't forget doppler effect. Actually both will see (no matter the velocity is) the other clock runs faster. But after adjusting to doppler effect the other clock actually runs slower wrt the observer.A thinks 20 years passed, but only 10 years passed for B,
ans B thinks 20 years passed, but only 10 years passed for A.

Come on...
##\gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt(1-v^2)}##
##2 = \frac{1}{1-v^2}## ##v = 0.866##
In my hometown 0.866c is not in the very slow category. :smile:

But the essense is.., slow or not. Both will see the other clock dilated.

phinds said:
The Twin Paradox, at its core, does not have anything to do with high speeds, it's just that the outcome is more dramatic when high speeds are involved. Airline pilot's ages routinely differ from what their age would be had they never flown, it's just that the difference is in milliseconds (if that much) rather than more noticeable amounts.
Yeah, that's why flight seems shorter with a beautiful stewardess,
 
  • #6
Stephanus said:
Yeah, that's why flight seems shorter with a beautiful stewardess,
:DD
 

1. What is time dilation between an astronaut and a person on Earth?

Time dilation refers to the difference in the passage of time between two observers, caused by differences in their relative velocities or gravitational fields. In the context of an astronaut and a person on Earth, the astronaut will experience time passing slower due to their high velocity and/or proximity to a strong gravitational field.

2. How does time dilation affect space travel?

Time dilation is a crucial factor to consider in space travel, as it can significantly impact the duration of a journey. As an object's velocity increases, time dilation also increases, meaning that the astronaut will age slower compared to someone on Earth. This effect becomes more significant as the velocity approaches the speed of light.

3. What is the equation for time dilation?

The equation for time dilation is t' = t / √(1 - v2/c2), where t is the time experienced by the stationary observer, t' is the time experienced by the moving observer, v is the relative velocity between the two observers, and c is the speed of light.

4. Can time dilation be reversed?

Yes, time dilation can be reversed by changing the relative velocities or gravitational fields between the two observers. This can be achieved by accelerating or decelerating the astronaut or by changing their position in a gravitational field. However, the amount of time that has passed for each observer will always be different, and it is not possible to fully "undo" the effects of time dilation.

5. How does time dilation affect communication between the astronaut and person on Earth?

Time dilation can cause a delay in communication between an astronaut and a person on Earth. As time passes slower for the astronaut, their messages will arrive at a slower rate compared to someone on Earth. This effect can become significant for high-speed or long-distance communication, and it is something that must be taken into account when communicating with objects in space.

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