TL;DR
This paper explores the potential of trans-relativistic cameras, as envisioned by Breakthrough Starshot, to serve as multi-functional astronomical instruments that could revolutionize observations and tests of fundamental physics.
Contribution
It demonstrates how relativistic effects enable cameras to act as spectrographs and lenses, proposing new observational methods and tests of special relativity in astrophysics.
Findings
Simulation of galaxy images in the camera's rest frame
Proposal of unique observational capabilities of trans-relativistic cameras
Potential for new tests of special relativity using these cameras
Abstract
The "Breakthrough Starshot" aims at sending near-speed-of-light cameras to nearby stellar systems in the future. Due to the relativistic effects, a trans-relativistic camera naturally serves as a spectrograph, a lens, and a wide-field camera. We demonstrate this through a simulation of the optical-band image of the nearby galaxy M51 in the rest frame of the trans-relativistic camera. We suggest that observing celestial objects using a trans-relativistic camera may allow one to study the astronomical objects in a special way, and to perform unique tests on the principles of special relativity. We outline several examples that trans-relativistic cameras may make important contributions to astrophysics and suggest that the Breakthrough Starshot cameras may be launched in any direction to serve as a unique astronomical observatory.
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