h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A535574

I read this entry the other day and thought it an excellent introduction to the ideas of the subject.

However...

Although I can undestand the concepts of Length Contraction and Time Dilation and see why they are necessary to explain the fact that light appears to travel at the same speed when viewed from bodies moving relative to one another, I cant quite see why length would double/halve at relative motion of approx 0.86 * the speed of light. 0.86 is also aprroximately equal to Sin 60 but whether that is relevant or not I have no idea.

I'd love to have a look at the maths. Anyone have the knowledge/patience to explain it to a dummy? Actually Im not bad at maths...have an A level and am at least familiar with some concepts beyond that.

Alteratively, does anyone know where I can look the mathematical thinking up?

I'd be very gratefull for any guidance