Time/distance/speed question relating to story Vaster Than Empires and More Slow

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In summary: However, assuming there is no faster-than-light travel in this story, the distance traveled will be just under 256 years.
  • #1
jen21
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At the beginning of the story it is said the crew travels in space for 10 hours and 29 minutes, or 256 years on Earth. i was wondering if there was a way to figure out how fast/far they traveled?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to the forums. Assuming there is no FTL in this story the distance will be just under 256 years. Given that the faster an object travels the greater time dilation it experiences using http://www.emc2-explained.info/Time-Dilation-Worked-Examples/bigeq.gif I get an answer of 99.999999999% of the speed of light.

If this was by FTL then simple speed = distance/time will give you an answer.
 
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  • #3


Yes, there is a way to figure out how fast and far the crew traveled. We can use the formula distance = speed x time to calculate the distance they traveled. Since we know the time (10 hours and 29 minutes) and the conversion rate to Earth years (256 years), we can plug those values into the formula and solve for speed. Once we have the speed, we can also calculate the distance by multiplying the speed by the time. Keep in mind that this calculation will only give us the distance traveled in a straight line, so if the crew traveled in a curved or zigzag path, the actual distance traveled may be longer.
 

Related to Time/distance/speed question relating to story Vaster Than Empires and More Slow

1. How does the concept of time dilation play a role in the story "Vaster Than Empires and More Slow"?

In the story, time dilation is used as a way to explore the psychological effects of isolation and the relativity of time. The crew of the ship, who experience time at a slower rate due to their proximity to a black hole, are forced to confront their own mortality and the passing of time in a different way than those on Earth. This serves as a commentary on the human experience and our perception of time.

2. Can you explain the relationship between distance and speed in the story?

In the story, the crew must travel great distances at high speeds in order to reach their destination. This not only highlights the vastness of space, but also the technological advancements needed to travel such distances. It also raises questions about the consequences of traveling at such speeds and the potential for time dilation.

3. How does the concept of time travel play a role in the story?

Time travel is not explicitly mentioned in the story, but the idea of traveling through space at high speeds and experiencing time differently can be seen as a form of time travel. The crew's journey through space also allows them to reflect on their past and the choices they have made, blurring the line between past, present, and future.

4. What is the significance of the title "Vaster Than Empires and More Slow"?

The title is taken from a line in a John Donne poem, which speaks to the vastness and complexity of the universe compared to our human understanding of it. This is reflected in the story through the crew's journey and their encounters with the alien race on the planet they are studying. The title also alludes to the theme of time dilation and the idea that time moves at a different pace for different beings.

5. How does the story address the idea of perception of time?

The story explores the idea that time is relative and can be perceived differently by different beings. The crew's experience of time being slowed down due to their proximity to the black hole challenges their perception and understanding of time. It also highlights the concept of time being a construct of the human mind and how it can be influenced by external factors.

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