25.5 Time Dilation Time Dilation Demonstration

Explanation: This applet simulates the time dilation concept as discussed in Section 25.5. The spaceship is set to fly a distance of 5 light hours, for example from Earth to the planet Pluto. The applet demonstrates that the clock in the spaceship runs slower then the two clocks in the Earth -Pluto frame of reference.  The frame of reference in which Earth and Pluto are motionless is assumed to be an inertial system and the motion of the two planets around the sun was neglected. Furthermore, as discussed in Section 25.6, an observer in the Earth-Pluto-system would see the spacecraft shortened in the direction of motion. This so-called Lorentz-Length-Contraction was not taken into consideration in this simulation.

Source: Walter Fendt, Stadtbergen, Germany