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Tue, 06 Nov 2007
Theory of Special Relativity

reference frame

The above image was taken from the Wikipedia article on Special Relativity and is meant to show that the speed of any object except light depends upon the reference frame of the observer.

Quite honestly, this is not the most interesting aspect of astronomy to me, so for me it involves rote memorization. Here is what I know so far:

Key Ideas of Special Relativity:

  • Special Relativity does not involve effect of gravity
  • No material object can travel faster than light
  • If you observe something near the speed of light, its time slows down, its length contracts in direction of motion, its mass increases
  • Whether or not two events are simultaneous depends on your perspective
  • Motion can be defined with respect to a particular reference frame
  • Posted 13:33

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