Answer to Question #100652 in Mechanics | Relativity for Kishwer

Question

Stellar aberration in relativity ?

Answer 1

Stellar aberration is an astronomical phenomenon "which produces an apparent motion of celestial objects". Stellar aberration is also explained by the relative motion between a star and an observer on earth.

Based on the principle of invariance, Einstein's relativity predicts that absolute motion does not exist. Consequently, there should be no difference between a star having a velocity with respect to an observer and an observer having a velocity with respect to a star. In the case of stellar aberration, this prediction appears contrary to observations. It is shown that the description of stellar aberration, in terms of relative transverse velocity between the star and an observer on earth should be corrected, because it is an erroneous interpretation of Einstein's relativity.