Answer to Question #42935 in Mechanics | Relativity for Benjamin K

Question

You are standing at an Los Angeles Spaceport observing a spaceship travelling towards you at 0.95 times the speed of light.

The captain of the spaceship, who is stationed midway between the front and rear of the ship, sends out radio signals to turn on light beacons located at the front and rear of the ship. He observes both beacons to be turned on simultaneously.

Without performing any calculations, describe and explain in your own words what is observed by you on the ground in Los Angeles. Use diagrams to illustrate your answer.