stuck traveling at speed of light

[kes]

I'm looking for a book I heard about, unfortunately never read, but it sounded really interesting. It is about a ship that starts traveling at the speed of light and cannot stop. The crew gets to watch the passage of time for the universe and (perhaps?) how human civilization changes. Thanks, I appreciate any help!

 

[chrispenycate]

Sounds a little like Poul Anderson's Tau Zero?

Though at the actual speed of light time would not pass at all, so no observation would be possible.

 

[tinkerdan]

That would make a short story then.

Sounds a little like Poul Anderson's Tau Zero?

Though at the actual speed of light time would not pass at all, so no observation would be possible.

I figured if you had anti-matter coupled with matter based on one application the one would drive the other and the other would keep the one attracted so they would be caught in an endless flight just like that sort of a push-me pull-you drive. The counter measure to that age old question 'Are we there yet?'

 

[Ursa major]

Even setting aside Chrispy's observation about the (lack of) passage of time (which seems to be a bit of a killer for the idea), there's the issue of how one might observe something while travelling away from it at the speed of light.

 

[Mirannan]

Yup, Tau Zero. Although they didn't manage actual tau zero, which is of course impossible - would require infinite energy. It's worth getting hold of a copy, if you can.

 

[Fishbowl Helmet]

Almost definitely not the story you're looking for, but for some reason the description made my think of "The Shoulders of Giants" by Robert J. Sawyer.

 

[Glitch]

Wikipedia lists an interesting plot for Tau Zero. It doesn't go into detail on how one might observe what's going on.

 

[kes]

Thank you, yes Tau Zero is the one. Glad I can put a name to the book now.