Abstract. The null geodesic equations in the Alcubierre warp-drive spacetime are numerically integrated to determine the angular deflection and redshift of photons which propagate through the distortion of the `warp-drive' bubble to reach an observer at the origin of the warp effect. We find that for a starship with an effective warp speed exceeding the speed of light, stars in the forward hemisphere will appear closer to the direction of motion than they would to an observer at rest. This aberration is qualitatively similar to that caused by special relativity. Behind the starship, a conical region forms from within which no signal can reach the starship, an effective `horizon'. Conversely, there is also a horizon-like structure in a conical region in front of the starship, into which the starship cannot send a signal. These causal structures are somewhat analogous to the Mach cones associated with supersonic fluid flow.

PACS number: 0420G

Print publication: Issue 12 (December 1999)
Received 13 July 1999