Points of reference are important but we tend to forget how much we rely on them. Speed only feels relevant to other objects (stationary or in motion). The completion of major tasks, overcoming obstacles, passing exams, finishing thesis etc are only important if they can be seen in relation to other forms of motion.
Captain Joseph Kittinger as part of research into high altitude bailout made three parachute jumps from a helium balloon. While he was falling at speeds of over 200 meters per second he did not have a sensation of falling. He was so high up that he had no points of reference.
- The first, from 76,400 feet (23,287 m)
- The second from 74,700 feet (22,769 m)
- The final jump was from 102,800 feet (31,300 m)
During the final jump he fell for 4 minutes and 36 seconds reaching a maximum speed of 614 mph (988 km/h or 274 m/s). He opened his parachute at 18,000 feet (5,500 m). He set records for highest balloon ascent, highest parachute jump, longest drogue-fall (4 min), and fastest speed by a human through the atmosphere. (wikipedia)
Somehow this makes me happier…