Traveling at 90% of the speed of light, how long would it take you to get to Proxima Centauri C, this potentially habitable planet? How long do you think? If you answered more than 4.24 years. You’d be totally wrong.
Show Notes
Applied Special Relativity
Today we explore the classic "Astronaut's Twin" paradox from the time dilation effects of Special Relativity, and comment on how it really makes the prospect of an interstellar civilization impractical. In more practical terms, we apply the same ideas to the effects of cosmogenic muons - those particles raining down upon us from the upper atmosphere.
For more on Proxima Centauri C,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxima_Centauri_c
Check out our video on Cosmogenic Muons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERS2hzTjsQY
Thanks for checking us out!
The Accelerated Physics Podcast is a production of the Pasayten Institute, whose mission is to build and share physics knowledge, without barriers. This podcast aims to serve both students and teachers of physics by injecting ideas, starting conversations. Have any ideas or feedback? Drop us a line: https://www.pasayten.org/heysean
This show is made possible in part by the Physics Accelerator, whose mission is to support people in the quest to learn mathematics and physics. The Physics Accelerator is a program of the Pasayten Institute. Music today by Gloria Tells. The show is written, editing and produced by me, Sean Downes. Thank you so much for listening.
You can always find us online at: https://physicsaccelerator.com
What is Accelerated Physics?
This is a podcast about learning and teaching physics, from someone who's been in the trenches for almost two decades. We'll also discuss how to relate the classroom to big ideas in contemporary research: like what circuits have to do with quantum mechanics, how special relativity impacts us - literally every day - and how the Doppler effect can teach us about the earliest moments - and the farthest reaches - of our universe.
Whether you’re a student or an instructor, you’ll find a wealth of ideas both practical and inspirational. Here at the Pasayten Institute, we’re convinced that like photons, perspectives should be exchanged, and often!
Join the discussion! Drop us a line: team@pasayten.org. We can't wait to talk shop with you.