In space, if the ISS is traveling at 17,150 miles per hour how does it look so stationary in the video from the Dragon capsule. Also How does it dock so precisely when it is moving so fast.
In: Physics
Their velocities (speeds) are relative, meaning that they are both travelling almost as fast as each other.
If two cars travel in sequence along a long, straight road at 60mph within 3ft of each other, as long as their speeds are completely stable they will always remain 3ft apart. But, if the car behind increases speed by just 1mph, they will gently touch bumpers (fenders) in a short while.
So, if you could block out the passing scenery and only view the car in front from the one behind, the relative speeds would make it seem like they weren’t moving at all. As soon as the car behind accelerates by 1mph, it would be perceived as a slow creep towards the car in front until bumpers touch.
It’s only the passing scenery, which is stationary, that gives you the relative impression of speed. Without that, you could be moving at incredible velocity, but you never perceive it unless there is something else for that velocity to be relative to.
Of course, if you’re accelerating at the time, the G-force will give a perception of speed, too. I refer to mostly stable velocities.
I think that’s the basic premise, no doubt others will explain it better.
Edit – shoddy spelling. Damn you, autocorrect.
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