Astronaut Mark Uri is space-traveling from planet X to planet Y at a speed of 0.65c relative to the planets, which are at rest relative to each other. When he is precisely halfway between the planets, a distance of 1.0 light-hour from each one as measured in the planet frame, nuclear devices are detonated on both planets. The explosions are simultaneous in Mark's frame. What is the difference in the time of arrival of the flashes from the explosions as observed by Mark?
A) 0 min
B) 180 min
C) 90 min
D) 360 min
E) 113 min

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the explosions are simultaneous in Mark's frame and he is equidistant from both planets, the light from both explosions will reach him at the same time, resulting in no difference in the time of arrival of the flashes.

Astronaut Mark Uri Is Space-Traveling from Planet X to Planet