Simulation Reveals Light-Speed Journey Around Earth

This simulation reveals the astonishing sight of travelling around Earth at the speed of light, which is approximately 186,000 miles per second. This remarkable experience has been brought to life through a video posted on YouTube by the channel Airplane Mode.

The simulation calculates that if one were to fly at a typical cruising speed of between 575 mph and 600 mph, the journey would take about 42 hours. In contrast, travelling at the speed of light would enable one to complete this circumnavigation in merely 0.13 seconds—approximately eight frames of video.

Starting in New York City, the simulation traverses the continental United States and crosses the Pacific Ocean before flying over Brisbane, Australia. It then slices through Zimbabwe, before returning over the Atlantic Ocean— all accomplished in that brief span of time.

For context, the simulation also depicts the duration required to circle the globe at the speed of sound, which is roughly 343 miles per second. This speed, while significantly slower than that of light, still represents a rapid pace. The comprehensive journey at the speed of sound is notably absent from the video, as it would require around 32 hours, still faster than the standard flight time by ten hours.

Currently, no aircraft can achieve the speed of light, and such travel might prove disorienting and pose health risks. The nearest possibility comes from hypersonic flights, capable of reaching speeds of 3,800 mph. Nevertheless, while extreme speeds remain theoretical, simulations continue to provide vivid comparisons with sound and light travel.