Where can I find space-time calculators online?
Asked by
Futomara (
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January 7th, 2010
I’m looking for information specific to two areas. First, I’m looking for information on current space vehicle speed and potential speeds attainable within the next 20–50 years using technologies on the horizon. For example, ion drives gradually increase speed over time. But what speed do they start at? Is there a maximum speed attainable? What is the rate of acceleration? Is there a chart or something for quick reference to gather this information and compare space travel technologies?
Secondly, I’m looking for a calculator where I can input data such as speed (velocity) and length of time of travel to calculate time relative to Earth observation and the traveler. For example, I want to calculate time differences for an Earth observer and a traveler that leaves Earth orbit at a specific velocity (say 50% the speed of light) and travels for 10 years round trip. Obviously, the traveler is 10 years older, but how much time has elapsed on Earth? Anyone know of an online calculator of this type that I can play with?
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7 Answers
Wolfram might have something you can use (http://www.wolframalpha.com/examples/Physics.html);
a google search found this app http://www.spacetime.us/ idk anything about it though.
as to your first question, I’m afraid I can’t help much – I’ve never seen such a chart, there are probably too many variables to account for to put something truly accurate out. I suspect there are a good number of papers published about things like that which you might be able to find through NASA and University sites but they may be only available to certain groups and access could be expensive.
Good luck, I’ll be curious to see what the collective finds, it’s an interesting subject.
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@Master0fPuppets – Have you attempted to understand teh (sic) nature of Fluther and teh (sic) collective? sighs
@Futomara: when someone has a highly technical or specialized question on Fluther, I almost always say what I will say now: go to a forum or messageboards on space travel or, even more specialized, the science of interstellar travel. someone there may know the answer. Wikipedia can possibly help. less the articles and more the links under the articles.
and thank you for raising the level of discussion here by even asking the questions.
As far as a “plug and crank” program, I echo @wonderingwhy and @Ria777 on their suggesting sources.
In a more general sense, I think you are being overly optimistic for the 20–50 year range. Within this time, our maximum attainment is likely to be permanent lunar colonies, maybe Martian colonies. These are all attainable with current “blast and coast” methods. The ion drive can be useful in manned missions to Mars and beyond. The first uses of the ion drive will likely be unmanned probes to the nearer star systems, where deceleration would not be as much of an issue.
Travel by humans outside the solar system will most likely await some kind of fundamental breakthrough, a la Zephrem Cochran’s Warp Drive.
The time difference effects of near-lightspeed travel, such as Heinlein described in “Time for the Stars” is a straightforward application of Einsteintian physics. A calculation program should be available via the sources suggested above.
Just ask Eddie, your shipboard computer…
Oh, right, he doesn’t even know how to make a decent cup of tea! Never mind…
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