Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Scientists Simulate Near-Light Speed Illusion in Lab

10/15/2025

29 6

Summary

Story summary

Scientists recreated an optical illusion of an object moving at 99.9% of light speed in a lab, illustrating the Terrell-Penrose effect.
They used ultra-short laser pulses and high-speed cameras to simulate relativistic motion and visualize the effect.
The study, published in Communications Physics, lists Dominik Hornof as a co-author.
The work highlights challenges in accelerating objects to near-light speeds and offers new insights.

1 of 1

Story summary

Scientists recreated an optical illusion of an object moving at 99.9% of light speed in a lab, illustrating the Terrell-Penrose effect.
They used ultra-short laser pulses and high-speed cameras to simulate relativistic motion and visualize the effect.
The study, published in Communications Physics, lists Dominik Hornof as a co-author.
The work highlights challenges in accelerating objects to near-light speeds and offers new insights.