The Twin Paradox: How Speed Affects Time Perception
Introduction: A Journey Down Time’s River
The launch platform is cold under the harsh floodlights. A 15-year-old astronaut, Elara, gives her twin brother, Leo, one last hug. Her mission is simple: a five-year round trip to a nearby star system. From her perspective, she will return as a 20-year-old. But her ship, the Stardrifter, will be traveling at 99.5% of the speed of light. As the engines…