What are the implications of a 24-light-hour tower at the Earth's equator?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical implications of constructing a tower at the Earth's equator with a height of 24 light hours. Participants explore the physical consequences of such a structure, including its effects on linear velocities, visibility from space, and the behavior of light around the tower. The conversation includes considerations of material limitations and relativistic effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that at a height of 24 light hours, the linear velocities at the top of the tower would be significantly large compared to a stationary observer in space.
  • Another participant argues that constructing a tower of that height is impossible, as the tip would exceed the speed of light, leading to structural disintegration.
  • There is a question about whether photons would be swept away by the tower if it did not reflect light, with one participant suggesting that the tower would appear bent.
  • Concerns are raised about whether an observer in space would see the Earth's meridian due to the tower's height and the behavior of light near the speed of light.
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the visibility of the meridian from space, citing various phenomena that could affect light trajectory.
  • One participant emphasizes that a tower taller than approximately 3.8 light hours would not be feasible due to the constraints of physics.
  • Another participant states that a theoretical tower of 24 light hours is not possible, even in theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a tower of 24 light hours is not feasible due to physical limitations, but there is disagreement regarding the implications of a shorter tower and the behavior of light around it. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly concerning visibility and the effects of relativistic phenomena.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about material properties, the effects of relativistic speeds, and the complexities of light behavior in the vicinity of such a structure. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

My_name_is_Peter
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The Earth rotates around its own axis within 24 hours. Theoretically, if at the equator perform a tower with a height - H, ignoring its effect on the slowdown of the Earth's rotation (we assume that the material of low density), objects and other complications, at a certain height, the linear velocities at the top of the tower would be very large compared to the stationary observer in relation to the axis of rotation of the Earth and was in the outer space at the height of the top. You can consider the view of the observers on the Earth on the equator and the one on the top of the tower, and in space next to the top of the tower passing him. You can increase the H value and try to calculate the linear velocity of the top of the tower relative to theoretical observer in space next to the top of the tower passing him.

The second thing can be if the tower is non-zero width along the meridian and its height would be theoretically 24 light hours, would it cover You some of the space view surrounding the equator by the width of the tower? Will You see the tower spreading from east to west? Would photones go from space be swept away by the tower if it did not reflect light? What would see the observer in space next to the top of the tower passing him? Will he see the meridian on the Earth?

You can also create a new questions, about it.
Thank You so much :)
and wish You Fascinating considerations :)
 
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My_name_is_Peter said:
and its height would be theoretically 24 light hours
That doesn't work. The tip cannot move faster than the speed of light. If you try to build 24 light hours / (2 pi) tall, no material will be able to hold the tower together. This is a fundamental limit.

Assuming a smaller tower:
My_name_is_Peter said:
Would photones go from space be swept away by the tower if it did not reflect light?
Sort of. The tower would appear bent.
My_name_is_Peter said:
Will he see the meridian on the Earth?
After sufficient time: Sure.
 
mfb said:
After sufficient time: Sure.
For theoretical 24 light hours tower height? I am not sure that the meridian will be seen from space (in the same plane and omiiting the phenomena of changing light trajectory, etc.) due to meeting the tower on the way of photons.
I do not have an unambiguous answer because there are phenomena typical of the speed of light near the speed.
Unless you meant the shorter tower, than it will be "less bright" maybe. :)
 
My_name_is_Peter said:
For theoretical 24 light hours tower height?
You can't build a tower more than ##24/2\pi\simeq 3.8## light hours tall because its tip speed would exceed the speed of light and it must disintegrate at or before that point (a lot before, in practice). So what you'd see from a 24 light hour tall one isn't really possible to describe.
 
My_name_is_Peter said:
For theoretical 24 light hours tower height?
Such a tower is not possible, even theoretically
 

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