Reference Frame Exploration

Click on each object to view the scene from its reference frame!

Current reference frame: mountains

Paused.

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mountains
plane birb

1. Even though the clocks are synchronized in each of their respective reference frames, they are not synchronized in other's reference frames if they are moving with respect to them.
2. If you look closely, notice how moving clocks run more slowly.
3. Finally, notice how moving objects are compressed in the direction they are moving in. This phenomenon is known as length contraction.