Time Dilation Between Astronaut A and Person B

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Twin Paradox, specifically examining the effects of time dilation between an astronaut traveling at near light speed and a person remaining on Earth. Participants explore the implications of relativity, simultaneity, and the Doppler effect in the context of time experienced by both individuals during and after the astronaut's journey.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that both the astronaut (A) and the person on Earth (B) would perceive each other's time as dilated during A's journey.
  • Others argue that the relativity of simultaneity plays a crucial role, suggesting that A's perception of "now on Earth" changes upon turning around, which does not happen for B.
  • One participant notes that the Twin Paradox is not solely dependent on high speeds, indicating that even at lower speeds, time differences can occur, albeit in smaller magnitudes.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of the Doppler effect, suggesting that both A and B would see the other's clock running slower after accounting for this effect.
  • Mathematical expressions are introduced to illustrate the relationship between speed and time dilation, although the context of "very slow" speed is debated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the Twin Paradox, particularly regarding the roles of simultaneity and the Doppler effect. There is no consensus on how these factors influence the perceived time dilation between A and B.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of "slow" speeds and the effects of Doppler shifts remain unresolved, as do the specific mathematical steps related to time dilation calculations.

kevinki
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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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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.
 
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.
 
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,
 
Stephanus said:
Yeah, that's why flight seems shorter with a beautiful stewardess,
:DD
 

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