from the earth, the distance to the center of our galaxy is 24000 light years. from the frame of reference of photon of light travelling from earth to center of our galaxy, what is this difference?
i dont really get the q and have no idea how to answer.
please help me,
thanks^^
2007-01-21 11:55:08 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
As you travel faster and faster distance gets distorted.
L1=Lo*(1-v^2/c^2)^(1/2)
This is called a Lorentz contraction. Notice as your velocity increases the length decreases going to a length of zero. From the point of view of a photon the center of the galaxy and the earth are next to each other.
Strange huh.
2007-01-21 12:23:02 · answer #1 · answered by LGuard332 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
30,000 ly Center of our galaxy 20 years
Figures are slightly different but thats what the web page said they were. It does include the math to figure it out on your own. Or you could take a WAG (wild @ss guess) about 18 years as the photon lives. It all has to due with the idea that the time is experienced differently as you approach the speed of light.
Oh I gather that is for if you're planning on a stop at the center, for those doing a drive by, I believe the figure is around 6 years.
2007-01-21 20:06:39 · answer #2 · answered by Old guy 124 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋