Camera on Spacecraft Moving Near Speed of Light

In summary, the observers on Earth would see the people on the spacecraft moving in slow motion due to the time difference between what the camera sees and what the observers on Earth experience. This paradox arises due to the frame rate issue and the foreshortening of the spacecraft , making the images appear normal on both the spacecraft and on Earth.
  • #1
JSGandora
95
0
If a spacecraft moving near the speed of light has a camera set up inside observing the people in the spacecraft , and the camera is connected to a computer on Earth so that observers on Earth could watch the video that the camera sends, what would the people on Earth see? Would they see the people on the spacecraft in slow motion?

I find this paradoxical because the camera, which is an observer in the reference frame of the moving spacecraft should see the observers moving at normal speeds but observers on Earth (without the aid of the camera) see the people on the spacecraft moving in slow motion. But with the aid of the camera, the observers on Earth shouldn't see what the camera sees because otherwise by the time the spacecraft returns to Earth, there would be a time difference between what the camera sees and what the observers on Earth experience.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
DaleSpam explained the frame rate issue.
Another issue is the foreshortening of the spacecraft . Since the camera is also foreshortened (from the Earth viewpoint), the images it collects will appear normal - both on the ship and on Earth.
 

Related to Camera on Spacecraft Moving Near Speed of Light

What is the purpose of having a camera on a spacecraft moving near the speed of light?

The purpose of having a camera on a spacecraft moving near the speed of light is to capture images and data from the spacecraft's surroundings as it travels through space at high speeds. This can provide valuable information about the environment and help scientists study the effects of traveling at such high velocities.

How does the camera on a spacecraft moving near the speed of light capture images?

The camera on a spacecraft moving near the speed of light captures images using a combination of optics and electronic sensors. Light enters the camera through a lens and is focused onto a sensor, which converts the light into electronic signals that can be processed and stored as images.

What are some challenges scientists face when designing a camera for a spacecraft moving near the speed of light?

Some challenges scientists face when designing a camera for a spacecraft moving near the speed of light include ensuring the camera can withstand high levels of radiation and extreme temperatures, as well as reducing the camera's size and weight to conserve space and energy on the spacecraft.

What types of images can be captured by a camera on a spacecraft moving near the speed of light?

A camera on a spacecraft moving near the speed of light can capture a variety of images, including visible light images, infrared images, and ultraviolet images. It can also capture images of different wavelengths and can be used for remote sensing and spectroscopy to study the composition and properties of objects in space.

How do scientists use images captured by a camera on a spacecraft moving near the speed of light?

Scientists use images captured by a camera on a spacecraft moving near the speed of light to study various phenomena, such as the effects of relativity and time dilation, the structure and composition of celestial bodies, and the behavior of matter and energy in extreme environments. These images can also aid in navigation and help scientists plan future space missions.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
45
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
878
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
37
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
730
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
645
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
32
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
795
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
700
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
45
Views
3K
Back
Top