[net.misc] Relativity - A Paradox

daleh@sri-unix (09/06/82)

	To resolve the "plane and square" paradox, let's introduce another
	observer traveling at 49.5% the speed of light (half the speed of
	the plane and traveling in the same direction).  To this observer:

		The plane is traveling at 49.5% the speed
		of light to the right (let's say).
		And, the square is traveling 49.5% the speed
		of light to the left.  According to this 
		observer's calculations, the square and hole
		appear to be exactly the same size and , in
		fact, the square has no trouble passing through
		the hole.

	So much for the paradox, but what about the poor guy on the square
	who bailed out before being smashed to bits?  If he had stayed on
	the square, would the hole have appeared to be getting larger,
	as he got closer?  Was he snapped up by the Heart of Gold?

	Dale Henrichs