2007-03-03 05:03:34 · 6 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It always has to be relative to some object. You can also measure it realative to how much you have accelerated from your last velocity.
2007-03-03 05:07:21 · answer #1 · answered by Zefram 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Velocity is a relative measurement. It only has any real meaning when cited in reference to something else. So an "absolute" frame of reference is not needed, and is in fact a meaningless concept.
2007-03-03 05:07:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you were so far out in space that nothing was near you or was detectable, then there would be NO way of measuring your velocity. This is exactly the point of relativity--speed is relative, not absolute, and if there are no reference points, you can't tell if you're moving or not.
2007-03-03 05:07:52 · answer #3 · answered by J 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I thought this is where the IMU (Inertia Measurement Unit) comes in. A system made up of 3 or 4 gimbals that through movement and relative position provide information about roll, pitch, yaw, velocity and direction.
2007-03-03 12:33:40 · answer #4 · answered by cschriks 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We cannot measure velocity in relation to the universe itself. For us and our space program the frame of reference for velocity is earth, which has a constant speed and trajectory.
2007-03-03 05:11:26 · answer #5 · answered by irishrunner1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We measure the velocities of galaxies relative to us.
2007-03-03 05:14:55 · answer #6 · answered by mathematician 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋