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Two clocks A and B are orbiting a non-rotating planet. Each clock periodically transmits its current time value via a radio signal and the other can receive that value.
Their orbits are in closely-spaced parallel planes and both orbits are the same distance from the planet. The two clocks are orbiting in opposite directions from each other. Twice every orbit, as they pass each other, they are very close together.In this scenario, both clocks are inertial (according to Einstein's general theory) so their relative clock rates should only be affected by the special relativity factor "gamma". As I understand it, this gamma factor is not a function of whether two objects are getting closer or farther away from one another.
During most of the phases of each orbit, according to special relativity the A clock should see B's clock time between ticks increase (with respect to A's clock). The same holds for B's view of A.
On one orbit, just as they are passing each other, both clocks are reset to zero.So, due to the symmetry of this scenario and due to common sense, as the two clocks are passing each other (twice per orbit), both clocks should receive a clock value from the other that is equal to their own clock's value.
How can this be if a given clock never sees the other clock rate increase to make up the amount that it has slowed down? Does gamma really not depend on whether two objects are approaching or receding?Any help with this would sincerely be appreciated.
Bob
Their orbits are in closely-spaced parallel planes and both orbits are the same distance from the planet. The two clocks are orbiting in opposite directions from each other. Twice every orbit, as they pass each other, they are very close together.In this scenario, both clocks are inertial (according to Einstein's general theory) so their relative clock rates should only be affected by the special relativity factor "gamma". As I understand it, this gamma factor is not a function of whether two objects are getting closer or farther away from one another.
During most of the phases of each orbit, according to special relativity the A clock should see B's clock time between ticks increase (with respect to A's clock). The same holds for B's view of A.
On one orbit, just as they are passing each other, both clocks are reset to zero.So, due to the symmetry of this scenario and due to common sense, as the two clocks are passing each other (twice per orbit), both clocks should receive a clock value from the other that is equal to their own clock's value.
How can this be if a given clock never sees the other clock rate increase to make up the amount that it has slowed down? Does gamma really not depend on whether two objects are approaching or receding?Any help with this would sincerely be appreciated.
Bob