General Question Speed of light in Orbiter?

[Sam]

On page 118 of the Orbiter manual (2006+P1 version), it lists the speed ot light as one of the constants Orbiter uses.

Just wondering -- is this actually used for anything? There aren't any relativistic effects, of course. I thought maybe planets, etc. are represented according to their "apparent" instead of "real" positions (e.g., maybe when you're looking at Mars from LEO, you're seeing it where it was X minutes ago), but I haven't been able to construct any sort of situation where this would make even one pixel of difference, even at 10 degree FOV. On the other hand, I could easily be missing something.

So, what does Orbiter use this parameter for, if anything?

SAM

 

[Quick_Nick]

Great question! I'm not sure what it's for though. (best to let the Doctor answer)
My guesses: Perhaps something about the starfield (unlikely) or for the meter? (also a bit unlikely)

EDIT: It appears that the AU is based off of c in the manual.

 

[Sam]

It appears that the AU is based off of c in the manual.

Ah ok, thanks ... I was looking right at that and missed it. But with the distinction between "derived constants" and other constants it makes sense.

SAM

 

[Kyle]

I've gone faster than the speed of light on orbiter before.
I got to Mars in 20 seconds.

 

[Quick_Nick]

I've gone faster than the speed of light on orbiter before.
I got to Mars in 20 seconds.

No kidding. There's no relativistic effects.

 

[Eccentrus]

Can we ask for realistic ("relativistic") effects the next time Orbiter is launched?

 

[Hielor]

Can we ask for realistic ("relativistic") effects the next time Orbiter is launched?

As I understand it, Orbiter is designed primarily to simulate realistic modern space travel. Since modern craft can't get to velocities where relativistic effects are noticeable, it's not included.

Plus, what sort of effects are you wanting?

 

[Nerull]

The problem with relativistic effects is that every observer experiences different effects.

Take the most well known - light speed barrier. The mass/acceleration effects here are not noticed by the observer doing the accelerating, though you would see visual distortions. You can keep on accelerating and get to Andromeda in 5 minutes. Over 2.5 million years will have passed in that 5 minutes, but you just feel 5 minutes. Outside observers see you taking the whole 2.5 million years to get there, though.

 

[n72.75]

The problem with relativistic effects is that every observer experiences different effects.

Take the most well known - light speed barrier. The mass/acceleration effects here are not noticed by the observer doing the accelerating, though you would see visual distortions. You can keep on accelerating and get to Andromeda in 5 minutes. Over 2.5 million years will have passed in that 5 minutes, but you just feel 5 minutes. Outside observers see you taking the whole 2.5 million years to get there, though.

Sounds like a plan to me.

Who cares about those pesky outside oberservers anyway?

 

[Dig Gil]

LOL.
But Imagine that: Time Travel on orbiter! Once I modelled the DeLorean from the film Back to the Future, but the car's mesh is not mine, just the weird modifications made to it on the film, so I can't release it. Anyway, it could create negative framerate -great- .