Importance of synchronization in the observation of event coordinates

Abstract

The importance of synchronization of spatially separated clocks in observing event coordinates cannot be overemphasized. We illustrate this with a real-world example. The results show the dependence of both length contraction and time dilation on the adopted synchronization convention. It is illustrated that a change in synchronization convention completely alters the appearance of the physical world. This is to be viewed in the context of the stated position in physics that synchronization of spatially separated clocks in any inertial frame depended on the adoption of a convention for its resolution. The preferred method of synchronization of spatially separated clocks is the standard convention recommended by the theory of relativity; however, it still remains a convention.