quote:
Originally posted by Uschi:
quote:
Originally posted by Lor:
Since the speed of light is relative to the initial starting velocity, if a lightsource was traveling at C velocity north and shined the light South, what would a stationary observer see?

A straight line of light or a flashing ball, depending on the position of the stationary observer.

Really? Did you look that up? I was never quite sure. 'Cause wouldn't that mean the light was stationary relative to the stationary observer? Would they see no light? It's confused me for years...

Well no I didnt, I just thought about. I mean wouldnt it be almost the same as if you where looking at a passing comet or meteor? From the way I see it one object can only be stationary for a period at a time because we are all moveing. So if say BOB was stationary then the light would not be and visa versa. It also has to depend on where BOB is. BOB could even be in a possition where he cant see it at all for a period of time. If BOB was say in a possition where the thing was coming at him then he would see the ball of light. And then if BOB was say to the side of the thing then he would see the streak. Kinda like if some one where to throw a ball at the same place, and you where to change your possition and be stationary when the ball come flying by you would see it three different angels.... I think. [eh?]
I'm not so sure. See, the stationary observer is, in this scenerio, stationary to the system. Thus the other fellow is moving at C away from him. So the light would have zero velocity in relationship with the observer. Because 9.8m/sec^2 (or whatever... not thinking right now) minus 9.8m/sec^2 = zero. So the light would be stationary, just like the observer. And, since light has to travel to reach our eyes and be observed, no light would be captured by the observer's eyes and he'd see nothing. It'd be like going as fast as the speed of light. All you'd be able to see is the lightwaves in front of you 'cause you'd be running into them. Or, I think so. Haven't read up much on the Special theory of relativity yet. Good with General, BAD with special.

Hmm. I'm still confused. Tell you what: I'll e-mail one of my physics professors. See what we can see.

As for how long it took to think up the questions, er... however long it took to type them. I know a lot of things that are fun to ask about and I have a lot of questions I want answers to. Half the time I was trying to show off. [gulp!]
Well in that case he would see the light only after it had already pasted I would think.. So it sounds to me that he would see the streak.. [eh?]

Yeah, you do that, email him then let me know okay. thanks :)