Understanding Earth's Time Difference from the Sun: 16-Minute Delay Explained

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Ross B
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the time difference observed when viewing Earth from the Sun, specifically addressing the 16-minute delay attributed to the speed of light. Participants explore the implications of light travel time in different scenarios involving Earth and the Sun, as well as the relevance of relativity in these contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that if standing on the Sun, Earth would appear 16 minutes behind due to light travel time, suggesting 8 minutes for light to reach Earth and another 8 minutes for the reflected light to return to the observer.
  • Another participant challenges this view, stating that the relevant time delay is only from when light leaves Earth to when it reaches the observer on the Sun, dismissing the initial light travel from the Sun as irrelevant.
  • A hypothetical scenario is presented involving two Earths in circular orbits around the Sun, questioning whether they would appear 8 minutes behind when viewed from the Sun.
  • Further responses indicate that the answer to the hypothetical should be clear based on the previous discussion.
  • A participant provides feedback to a newcomer, suggesting a need for a better understanding of the subject matter and recommending foundational study in classical physics and relativity.
  • The thread is ultimately closed, indicating that the substantive question has been answered, although no consensus is reached on the initial claims regarding time delay.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of light travel time and its implications for observing Earth from the Sun. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of light travel and relativity, which may not be fully articulated or agreed upon by all participants. The frame-dependence of time delay is noted but not explored in detail.

Ross B
if u stand on the sun and look at the earth, the Earth will appear to be 16 minute behind where it actually is as the light eave the sun, 8 minutes to reflect off the Earth and 8 minutes back to your retina, is that correct?
 
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Ross B said:
is that correct?

No. The only relevant time delay is from when the light leaves Earth to when it reaches you on the Sun. The fact that the light originally came from the Sun and was reflected off the Earth doesn't matter.

(The time delay is also frame-dependent, which is relevant since you posted this in the relativity forum.)
 
if u have a sun orbited by 2 equidistant Earth's, circular orbits, the Earth's are diametrically opposed to each other. If you are standing on the sun will the 2 Earth's appear 8 minutes behind where they actually are?
 
Ross B said:
If you are standing on the sun will the 2 Earth's appear 8 minutes behind where they actually are?

The answer to this should be obvious from the answer to your previous question.
 
@Ross B , a few general notes, since you are new to PF. First, welcome!

Second, you will notice that I have changed the level of this thread to "B". An "I" level indicates a college undergraduate level understanding of the subject matter. It does not appear that you have that.

Third, please take some time to think through your questions before posting. I have deleted a number of posts that are too confused and jumbled to lead to a useful discussion. Also, it would probably be helpful for you to take some time to work through a good introductory textbook on relativity--but even before that, if you don't already have a decent working understanding of classical (pre-relativity) physics, you should work through a good introductory textbook on that.

I have closed this thread as the substantive question you asked has been answered.
 

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