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NASA Probe Validates Einstein Within 1%
An anonymous reader writes "Gravity Probe B uses four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure two effects of Einstein's general relativity theory — the geodetic effect and frame dragging. According to the mission's principal investigator, the data from Gravity Probe B's gyroscopes confirm the Einstein theory's value for the geodetic effect to better than 1%. In a common analogy, the geodetic effect is similar to the shape of the dip created when the ball is placed on to a rubber sheet. If the ball is then rotated, it will start to drag the rubber sheet around with it. In a similar way, the Earth drags local space and time around with it — ever so slightly — as it rotates. Over time, these effects cause the angle of spin of the satellite's gyroscopes to shift by tiny amounts." The investigators will be doing further data analysis over the coming months and expect to release final results late this year.
... balls on rubber sheets. Seriously.
While I don't believe Tesla actually said it, I've often seen him credited with the phrase "If only Mr. Edison would a bit smarter, he wouldn't need sweat so much."
>> genius is 1% and perspiration is 99%.
My sweaty Uncle Phil must have a 198 IQ.
This seems like a waste of money and resources. As any creationist will stress to you - gravity is only a THEORY.
Let me see if I understand you: is this similar to the mall thing where you throw coins into it and they go round-and-round until disappearing into the hole below? If it is, then...I...waitaminit...we're all going to die!
The thing is that this effect has been tested at strong gravity. There is no dispute that GR is not correct in the strong gravity limit. The strength of GR is only disputed at weak gravity, or near Planck's length. It is a good verification of GR, but I don't think anybody thought that it will not be vindicated.
We need a probe to test GR at L1 point if the gravity there is significantly weaker than a0 to distinguish between MOND and DM. This IMHO is the most important test. If it is not possible to test MOND at L1 point, because the MONDian bubble is too small then there is no hope for a test within the next decade. Because that is how much time a very modern satellite will take to reach beyond the solar system where the gravity is significantly weaker than a0.
FTL? WTF? Everybody knows that FTL drives are a work of fiction.
No, my friend, what you need is a warp drive.
Warp drives are so 1960's you need either slipstream or even better.
An oscillation overdrive. That would be exactly what you need.
Now to find that rock and roll physicist that has the prototype.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
No! We fold space! Or better yet: we actually build the improbability drive! ... and put the engine to Ludicris speed! ??!?!?