Testing Quantum Behavior — From Earth to the ISS

KentuckyFC writes "Einstein famously believed that the instantaeous effect of quantum entanglement would allow 'spooky action-at-a-distance' in violation of special relativity. Every test of entanglement on Earth has so far agreed with quantum mechanics but naysayers continue to point out various loopholes that might allow the results of these experiments to be determined in advance rather than instantaneously as QM suggests. Today, an international team of scientists is proposing the mother of all entanglement experiments, to be performed in space. The plan is to send entangled photons between an observer on the ground and one on the International Space Station. By the peculiarities of special relativity, the high relative velocity between the observers means that both will always be able to claim to have carried out their measurement first, thereby ruling out the naysayers' arguments (abstract). The experiment, called Space-QUEST, would be housed aboard Europe's Columbus module and would give the much-derided ISS a stab at doing some decent science for a change."

Comments

I was first

[bornyesterday]

My instruments clearly show that my post was made and appeared before any other posts.

Re:Science coverage on /. is crappy

[c6gunner]

Each person can decide for himself/herself which is the bigger waste of money, but the chances of something positive coming from the ISS is considerably greater in my opinion.

Well, you know what they say about opinions ....

I have nothing against the ISS - I think it's a worthwhile scientific endeavour, and a marvellous and inspirational example of human ingenuity - but I can't say I much appreciate your blatant trolling. Nor do I agree with your pessimism. I'm not sure why you sop badly want the Iraqi people to continue to suffer, but please, keep your opinions to yourself from now on.