Why do objects appear to shrink as they approach the speed of light?

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SUMMARY

Objects appear to shrink as they approach the speed of light due to relativistic effects described by Einstein's theory of special relativity. This phenomenon, known as Lorentz contraction, occurs because the light from different points of the object reaches an observer at different times, creating an illusion of distortion. The discussion clarifies that this is not merely an optical illusion but a fundamental aspect of how space and time behave at relativistic speeds. Understanding this requires a grasp of both time dilation and the principles of general relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Einstein's theory of special relativity
  • Lorentz contraction
  • Time dilation concepts
  • Understanding of light propagation in different frames of reference
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Physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in the implications of high-speed travel on the perception of space and time.

leftyguitarjo
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Why, when nearing the speed of light, do objects appear to be shrinking to someone in a different frame of reference?

I understand time dilation, but not the horizontal distortion.
 
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If an object is traveling towards an observer at near light speed, by the time the light from the near end of the object reaches the observer, the far end is much closer and the light reaches from the far end reaches the observer relatively sooner. I'm not sure if this is more than just an "optical" illusion under general relativity.
 

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