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Can Superconductors Block Gravitational Fields?

Posted by chrisd on from the lose-weight-fast-with-no-dieting dept.

jswitte writes "Raymond Chiao, of the University of California at Berkel, believes that superconductors can convert electromagnetic radiation into gravitational radiation. His full paper can be found here. His theory is based on the idea that superconductors might be able to block the so-called 'gravitomagnetic' field just as they block the electomagnetic field in the famous Meissner effect allowing superconductors to levitate in magnetic fields. He claims that when he 'adds the gravitomagnetic field to the standard quantum equations for superconductivity, he confirms not only the gravitational Meissner-like effect but also a coupling between the two breeds of magnetic field. An ordinary magnetic field sets electrons in motion near the surface of a superconductor. Those electrons carry mass, and so their motion generates a gravitomagnetic field.'"

5 of 476 comments (clear)

  1. Ginger 2....now this is IT ;) by teambpsi · · Score: 0, Redundant

    if true, THIS would revolutionalize transportation as we know it

    kind of makes fuel cells seem like 8th grade chemistry ;)

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    Old age and treachery almost always overcome youth and skill.
  2. if im reading this right... by epiphani · · Score: 0, Redundant

    basically hes saying that once he figures all this stuff out.. we'll be able to use the earths gravitomagnetic field to float, use as transportation, and even use to catapult ourselves into space?

    If I do follow, the applications are absolutely revolutionary...

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  3. The Jetsons by Smelly+Jeffrey · · Score: 0, Redundant

    We ought to research this more, in hopes of using this to develop Jetson-like vehicles. I'd love to putt around in one of those things, and drop my boy Elroy off at school. Then I'd be off to my job at Spacely Sprockets. *begins to sing the Jetson's Theme Song*

  4. What? by Cave+Dweller · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Am I reading correctly? Did this guy just prove that anti-gravitational fields (or maybe, lack of gravitation would be more correct) are a reality?

  5. Uh, no? by ROBOKATZ · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Can't this be answered with a google search??