Apparent Shape of Large Objects at Relativistic Speeds
Abstract
It has been recently recognized that there is a difference between the measured Lorentz contracted shape of an object moving at relativistic speed and the shape as seen by a single observer. The case of an object which subtends a small solid angle at the observer has been discussed by several authors. This paper discusses objects so large or so near that the subtended solid angle cannot be considered small, and gives simple proofs that spheres always present a circular outline and that straight lines may appear curved. These results are applied to revise Gamow's well-known picture of the bicyclist seen by Mr. Tompkins.
- Publication:
-
American Journal of Physics
- Pub Date:
- May 1961
- DOI:
- 10.1119/1.1937751
- Bibcode:
- 1961AmJPh..29..283B