Gamow's cyclist: a new look at relativistic measurements for a binocular observer

DOI10.1098/RSPA.2019.0703zbMATH Open1472.83009arXiv1906.11642OpenAlexW2955747824WikidataQ98649503 ScholiaQ98649503MaRDI QIDQ5160965FDOQ5160965

Authors: E. A. Cryer-Jenkins, P. D. Stevenson 

Publication date: 29 October 2021

Published in: Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: The visualisation of objects moving at relativistic speeds has been a popular topic of study since Special Relativity's inception. While the standard exposition of the theory describes certain shape-changing effects, such as the Lorentz-contraction, it makes no mention of how an extended object would appear in a snapshot or how apparent distortions could be used for measurement. Previous work on the subject has derived the apparent form of an object, often making mention of George Gamow's relativistic cyclist thought experiment. Here, a rigorous re-analysis of the cyclist, this time in 3-dimensions, is undertaken for a binocular observer, accounting for both the distortion in apparent position and the relativistic colour and intensity shifts undergone by a fast moving object. A methodology for analysing binocular relativistic data is then introduced, allowing the fitting of experimental readings of an object's apparent position to determine the distance to the object and its velocity. This method is then applied to the simulation of Gamow's cyclist, producing self-consistent results.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1906.11642

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zbMATH Keywords

relativitybinocular visionTerrell rotationsvisual appearance

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Special relativity (83A05)

Cites Work

• Title not available (Why is that?)
• The Geometrical Appearance of Large Objects Moving at Relativistic Speeds
• Projection of relativistically moving objects on a two-dimensional plane, the `train' paradox and the visibility of the Lorentz contraction
• Visual appearance of wireframe objects in special relativity
• The New World of Mr Tompkins

Cited In (2)

• Analytic observation of a star orbiting a Schwarzschild black hole
• The visualization of objects rolling at relativistic speeds

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