In this work, continuing the previous one of Ostermann and Ricci (Caderno Catarinense de Ensino de Física 19, 176 (2002)), we analyze some apparent geometrical deformations of three objects in relativistic motion: straight rod, circular wire and a sphere. Physics textbooks usually lead the reader assume, erroneously, that objects relativistically moving in respect to a certain observer are seen, by this observer, contracted in the direction of its motion. Actually, this is that would be measured by the observer, different from that he sees. In this work we stress the difference between measuring and observing, as pointed out in previous work. We also show that the apparent speed of some points of the object can be superluminal when it approaches the observer, confirming previous results (Am. J. Phys. 73, 663 (2005)).
relativity; relativistic motion; apparent deformations; superluminal velocity
