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Topic: Precision space travel. (Read 753 times) |
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harpanet
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Precision space travel.
« on: Apr 15th, 2003, 9:50am » |
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This is my first 'puzzle' and may be a bit too easy, I don't know, but here goes.
The distance from planet GargleFargle to asteroid KooKoo is 1 light year (as measured by the best planetary-based astronomers GargleFargle has to offer).
Captain Zlog has been assigned to pilot a spaceship to the asteroid. The spaceship, named the Flapflap, is of a special inertial design that can reach any speed below that of light instananeously.
Zlog is ordered to reach the asteroid in exactly 1 year. He takes on board his trusty (and mechanical) timer and will set it to '1 year' immediately prior to Gloop off (which is what inertial-based GargleFargian craft do when they start).
The brave Zlog points his craft at KooKoo (knowing that it's relative position does not change), sets the required speed and Gloops off.
At what speed (in Earth units) should Zlog set the Flapflap to travel at in order to reach KooKoo at the moment the timer goes 'ping'?
Note: By an astonishing coincidence, GargleFarge and Earth share the same time and distance measures.
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towr
wu::riddles Moderator
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Re: Precision space travel.
« Reply #1 on: Apr 15th, 2003, 11:07am » |
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I think c/sqrt(2).
He will of course not reach asteroid KooKoo in one year from the reference frame of planet GargleFargle, but that wasn't the question.
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harpanet
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Re: Precision space travel.
« Reply #2 on: Apr 15th, 2003, 11:14am » |
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Well that was short and sweet! At least it means I didn't screw up on my calculations 
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towr
wu::riddles Moderator
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Re: Precision space travel.
« Reply #3 on: Apr 15th, 2003, 11:26am » |
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or we both did..
On the one hand it makes sense, on the other it doesn't.. multiple reference frames make my head hurt..
Of course the alternative I get gives complex numbers, so that's pretty much out of the question..
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| « Last Edit: Apr 15th, 2003, 11:27am by towr » |
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