Re: A question about mirrors

["Glenn A. Carlson" <gcarlson@MAIL.WIN.ORG>]

Oops!

I misread Michael's question as a statement.  Of course, he is quite
correct.  We do have to agree upon a common vantage point.

My apologies.

Glenn

"Glenn A. Carlson" wrote:
> > Subject: Re: A question about mirrors
> >   Date: Fri, 4 Aug 2000 11:39:38 -0400
> >   From: Michael Edmiston <edmiston@BLUFFTON.EDU>
> >
> > Likewise, spinning or revolving astronomical
> > objects have specific angular momentums.  If that is true, then don't we
> > just have to agree upon a common vantage point from which both observers
> > view these?
>
> This is not true, is it?  If I look at the earth from above the north
> pole, I see it rotating counterclockwise.  But, if I look at the earth
> from above the south pole, I see it rotating clockwise.
>
> Thus, if we are to use rotating or revolving astronomical objects as
> our reference, we still have to agree on a location from which to
> observe the motion.  That angular momentum has a specific direction is
> a consequence of our agreement to adopt the "right hand rule," which
> just brings us back to where we started.
>
> Glenn A. Carlson, P.E.
> St. Charles County Community College
> St. Peters, MO
> gcarlson@mail.win.org