A three-dimensional interpretation of Minkowski spacetime

Abstract In this communication, a 3D spacetime model is developed that overcomes the asymmetry in scale and perpendicular versus non-perpendicular axes for the two reference frames in the Minkowski spacetime diagram. This is achieved by embedding the two spacetime frames in a particular relative orientation (depending on the velocity difference) in a 3D space. Both frames simultaneously retain their respective orthogonal axes as well as the same scale for their own spacetime coordinates. However, an observer in one frame is still able to predict what the other observer would measure by means of a projection from the plane of the other observer. Both the Minkowski and Loedel diagrams are obtained as special views in this model. A number of video clips that illustrate the various operations and views is included as supplementary material.