Time Dilation Between Astronaut A and Person B

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Twin Paradox, illustrating time dilation effects experienced by Astronaut A traveling at near light speed and Person B remaining on Earth. Both A and B perceive each other's time as dilated, with A believing 20 years have passed while only 10 years have elapsed for B, and vice versa. The conversation emphasizes the importance of the relativity of simultaneity and the Doppler effect in understanding these phenomena. It concludes that the Twin Paradox is not solely dependent on high speeds, as even minor differences in velocity can lead to measurable time discrepancies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts
  • Familiarity with time dilation and its mathematical representation
  • Knowledge of the Doppler effect in relation to light
  • Basic grasp of the Twin Paradox and its implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical formulation of time dilation in special relativity
  • Explore the implications of the Doppler effect on time perception
  • Review the Twin Paradox FAQ for deeper insights
  • Investigate real-world applications of time dilation, such as in aviation
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in the implications of time dilation in both theoretical and practical contexts.

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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