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From: demillo@uwmacc.UUCP (Rob DeMillo)
Newsgroups: net.startrek
Subject: Re: A new topic to ponder (I PROMISE!)...
Message-ID: <1377@uwmacc.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 7-Aug-85 18:55:10 EDT
Article-I.D.: uwmacc.1377
Posted: Wed Aug  7 18:55:10 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 11-Aug-85 00:08:35 EDT
References: <255@ncr-tp.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: UWisconsin-Madison Academic Comp Center
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> We have all heard the comments about "hearing" the Enterprise whoosh by.
> As a matter of fact those same comments are currently being reiterated.
> Well, I'll start a new topic.  Now after the Enterprise zips by, we see
> it fading off into the distance.  There is no problem finding shows where
> the Enterprise flys by a speeds faster than the speed of light.
> 
> I propose that when the Enterprise zips by faster than the speed of light,
> the we should NOT be able to see it from behind since the light "particles"
> coming from behind it would not be able to catch up to it, bounce off, and
> come back for use to "see" them.  I feel that the particles shouldn't be
> able to reflect off of the back of the Enterprise (since they aren't fast
> enough to "touch" it), so we shouldn't be able to see it.  I would think
> we would see a faint outline on places where the light would reflect.

You've got this slightly backwards...

Objects traveling FTL (if it is possible) can be seen from the rear.
The photons are merely left behind (much the same way a FTSound plane
leaves its sound behind) albeit extremely redshifted. An observer
in front of an object moving FTL would not see anything, since 
photon speeds are not additive and a photon would never be
able to "leave" the forward-facing surface. (Of course, this leaves
the question of "what the hell are you doing standing in front og
something moving faster-than-light? :-) )


> 
> I am NOT a physics expert, so be merciful and polite.  I'm just bring up
> something that I hope others will find interesting to discuss.
> 
> I don't have the guts to include net.physics.  We probably should, but I'm
> sure the topic will slowly get off the subject and aggravate the net.phyics
> readers.
> 
> 		Mike Laman
> 		UUCP: {ucbvax,philabs,sdcsla}!sdcsvax!ncr-sd!laman

I feel a little obnoxious posting this, since I just posted an astronomy
related article in sf-lovers. (I'm a grad in astronomy.) But, you asked...


-- 
                           --- Rob DeMillo 
                               Madison Academic Computer Center
                               ...seismo!uwvax!uwmacc!demillo

 
	"...That's enough, that's enough!
	    Television's takin' its toll.
	    Turn it off, turn it off!
	    Give me the remote control!
	    I've been nice! I've been good!
	    Please don't do this to me!
	    I've been nice, turn it off,
	    I don't wanna hav'ta see...
		...'The Brady Bunch!'"