Gravity bending due to another Gravitational Source

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of the gravitational force being bent around other objects, similar to how light is bent. It also brings up questions about how this affects satellites in orbit and if there is a mathematical evaluation for this occurrence. It is explained that while a static gravitational field is not blocked by other objects, a changing gravitational field can produce gravitational radiation that is deflected in the same way as light. However, this only applies in the Newtonian approximation and gravitational waves require general relativity.
  • #1
Philosophaie
462
0
Does the effect of Gravity get bent like light around another gravitational source? If the object is close enough to the Earth does the Earth's gravitational force bent the Moon's or even the Sun's gravitational effect on that object before that "line of sight" event occurs. As Einstein's General Relativity was proven in 1919 with an solar eclipse of the Sun, light bents with a gravitational source why can't gravity.

Will a Satellite around Earth in Low Earth Orbit feel the Gravitational pull before passing from the protection of the Earth's Umbria or will it feel nothing until the Sun is directly in front of it? If so is there any mathematical evaluation of this occurrance?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Philosophaie said:
Does the effect of Gravity get bent like light around another gravitational source?
It doesn't make sense to describe a static gravitational field as being deflected by other objects (since deflection implies motion). A gravitational field that is changing in the right ways will produce gravitational radiation which (as long as they are sufficiently small in energy density and the deflecting object's gravity is not too strong at the point of closest approach) is deflected the same way as light.
Philosophaie said:
Will a Satellite around Earth in Low Earth Orbit feel the Gravitational pull before passing from the protection of the Earth's Umbria or will it feel nothing until the Sun is directly in front of it?
The static gravitational field of an object (such as that from the Sun that causes the Earth to orbit it) is not blocked by anything. When a satellite passes behind the Earth wrt the Sun the gravitational force on it is still the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_sum#Addition_and_subtraction" of the forces from the Earth and Sun. Note: considering gravity to be a vector force is only valid in the Newtonian approximation, gravitational waves require general relativity and do not exist in Newtonian gravity.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Related to Gravity bending due to another Gravitational Source

1. How does gravity bending occur due to another gravitational source?

Gravity bending occurs when an object with mass creates a curve in space-time, causing other objects to move towards it. This is known as gravity, and the amount of bending depends on the mass and distance of the objects involved.

2. Can gravity bending be observed in everyday life?

Yes, gravity bending is a common occurrence in our daily lives. For example, when you drop an object, it falls towards the ground due to the gravity of the Earth bending the space-time around it.

3. How does the concept of gravity bending relate to Einstein's theory of general relativity?

Einstein's theory of general relativity states that gravity is not a force, but rather a curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass. This curvature results in the phenomenon of gravity bending, as objects with mass are drawn towards each other.

4. Can gravity bending be explained by Newton's law of universal gravitation?

No, Newton's law of universal gravitation does not fully explain the concept of gravity bending. While it accurately predicts the force of gravity between two objects, it does not account for the curvature of space-time caused by the presence of mass.

5. Are there any practical applications of understanding gravity bending due to another gravitational source?

Yes, understanding gravity bending is crucial in the field of astrophysics, as it helps us understand the behavior of celestial bodies and their interactions with each other. It also plays a crucial role in the accuracy of space missions and the development of technologies such as GPS systems.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
29
Views
9K
Replies
4
Views
592
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
761
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
967
Back
Top