Relativity - Myths, Spacetime and Speculation

Introduction

People

Myths
Absolute Space
Points of View
Twin Paradox
Einstein's Train
Andromeda Paradox
Time in Spacetime
Clocks & Time
Velocity of Light

Spacetime

Speculation

Points of View

Following on from the absolute space myth, there is a myth that because Einstein showed that there is no absolute space, then it is not possible to relate where and when events occur between "points of view". I.e. Each point of view is unique, and unrelated to any other point of view.

There are two flaws in this myth:

• In Einstein's relativity, observers and events occupy frames of reference. A "point of view" is not synonymous with a frame of reference, and it is generally not appropriate to use that term.
  
  
• It is posssible to relate where and when events occur between frames of reference:
  • In Newtonian relativity, that the events are transformed between frames of reference using what are known as Galilean transformations.
  • In Einstein's relativity the events are transformed between frames of reference using what are known as Lorentz transformations.