Introduction

Einstein's theories of relativity are widely regarded as a difficult and hardly comprehensible theory. One important reason for this is that the properties of space, time, and light in relativistic physics are totally different from those in classical, Newtonian physics. In many respects, they are contrary to human experience and everyday perception, which is based on low velocities and weak gravitational fields.

Therefore, computer simulations are the only means of visually exploring the realm of relativity. They enable us to experience relativistic phenomena such as Lorentz contraction, time dilation, aberration, finite speed of light, and gravitational light bending. Thus they can help to establish a more intuitive approach to both theories of relativity.

Visualization Techniques

Special relativity is able to describe the physical world even at velocities comparable to the speed of light. Nevertheless, it is still based on a so-called flat spacetime, i.e., light travels along straight lines according special relativity. Conversely, general relativity utilizes the concept of a curved spacetime in order to describe gravitation. Here, light rays no longer travel along straight lines, but are bent by gravitational forces.

This difference between special and general relativity is expressed in different kinds of visualization techniques for

• Special Relativistic Visualization and
• General Relativistic Visualization.

Contact

Contact: Daniel Weiskopf