Which Nova Happened First in Relation to an Aircraft's Speed?

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SUMMARY

Astronomers aboard an aircraft traveling at 750 km/hr observe two novas in the constellations Draco and Tucana, which appear simultaneous from Earth but are not perceived as such from the aircraft. Using the time dilation formula, the observer calculates a time difference of 12.16 hours between the two novas. However, this result is incorrect, as it is double the expected answer. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying the time dilation equation and verifying calculations with a professor for clarification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, particularly time dilation
  • Familiarity with the formula for time transformation: t' = (t - Vx/c²) / √(1 - V²/c²)
  • Basic knowledge of lightyear as a unit of distance
  • Ability to perform unit conversions, specifically from km/hr to m/s
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation and application of the time dilation formula in special relativity
  • Learn about the implications of simultaneity in different inertial frames
  • Explore examples of relativistic effects in astrophysics
  • Consult resources on common mistakes in applying relativistic equations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone studying the effects of relativistic speeds on time perception will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


Astronomers on the Earth (regarded as an inertial reference frame) see two novas flare up simultaneously. One of the novas is at a distance of 1.0x10^3 lightyears in the constelation Draco; the other nova is at an equal distance in the constellation Tucana in a direction (as seen from Earth) exactly opposite to that of the first nova. According to astronomers aboard an aircraft traveling at 750km/hr along the line from draco to tucana, the novas are not simulatneous. According to these astronomers, which nova happened first/ by how many hours?

Homework Equations



t' = [tex]\frac{t - \frac{Vx}{c^2}}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{V^2}{c^2}}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


So, i then have two equations:

t'[tex]_{1}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{t_{1} - \frac{Vx_{1}}{c^2}}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{V^2}{c^2}}}[/tex]

t'[tex]_{2}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{t_{2} - \frac{Vx_{2}}{c^2}}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{V^2}{c^2}}}[/tex]

i know that:
t1 = t2
since the novas flare up at the same time on Earth, and i also set
x1 = 0,
x2 = 2*10^3 lightyears = 2(9.46*10^18m)
V = 750*10^3m/hr

my final equatin looks like so:

[tex]\frac{t'_{2} - t'_{1} = \frac{Vx_{2}}{c^{2}}}{\sqrt{1-\frac{V^{2}}{c^{2}}}}[/tex]
(The above fraction looks wrong. the fraction should only be on the right side.)

So, plugging in all of my values i get a time of 12.16hrs, which is double the right answer. Can someone please tell me what I could have done wrong? any help at all would be greatly appreciated
 
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I agree with your answer. So unless we both made the same mistake, the book is wrong.
 
Thank you Doc Al, i appreciate the response. I will ask my professor what he thinks of the problem
 

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