NASA's Gravity Probe B: Testing Einstein's Theory of Relativity

In summary, NASA's Gravity Probe B satellite was launched into orbit Tuesday morning to test a key prediction of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. The heart of the satellite is a perfectly spherical quartz sphere, about the size of a pingpong ball, that is electrostatically floated in a cryogenic chamber and spun at 10,000 revolutions per minute. The spinning sphere is a highly precise gyroscope, claimed to be the most accurate scientific instrument ever built. Researchers hope it will detect the twisting in the fabric of space, deflecting slightly in response to it.
  • #1
Orion1
973
3
NASA's Gravity Probe B satellite was launched into orbit Tuesday morning to test a key prediction of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity.

Einstein's theory states that gravity is a distortion in the fabric of space caused by massive objects. Earth, like a bowling ball dropped on a rubber sheet, stretches the invisible fabric of space and causes smaller objects to move toward it.

That portion of the theory was confirmed by Gravity Probe A, launched in 1975.

But the theory also says that as the Earth spins on its axis, it tends to twist the fabric of space around it slightly. Gravity Probe B is designed to test that.

The heart of the satellite is a perfectly spherical quartz sphere, about the size of a pingpong ball, that is electrostatically floated in a cryogenic chamber and spun at 10,000 revolutions per minute.

The spinning sphere is a highly precise gyroscope, claimed to be the most accurate scientific instrument ever built. Researchers hope it will detect the twisting in the fabric of space, deflecting slightly in response to it. A Superconducting Quantum Interference Device, or SQUID, will detect any changes in the sphere's axis of rotation and send the results back to Earth.

The bulk of the satellite is made up of coolant to maintain both the sphere at the SQUID at a temperature near absolute zero, about minus 460 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reference:
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/apr/04212004/images/nasa.jpg
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/apr/04212004/nation_w/159275.asp
 
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  • #2
Hello orion1 is there a question here or is this simply a statement?
 
  • #3
Terran Metric...


What is the equation for the 'Terra Metric' space-time?

[tex]s^2 = ...[/tex] ?

Can a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device, or SQUID, prove such a metric?

 
  • #4
when do the results come in?
 
  • #5
Orion1 said:

What is the equation for the 'Terra Metric' space-time?

[tex]s^2 = ...[/tex] ?

Can a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device, or SQUID, prove such a metric?

I imagine they are using the Kerr metric for the spacetime near the turning earth. That is the solution for an axially symmetric spinning mass, and that is the one in which the frame dragging is manifested.
 
  • #6
Metric Measurement...

Kerr Metric Boyer-Lindquist angular velocity:
[tex]\omega = \frac{2Mar}{(r^2 + a^2)^2 - a^2 \Delta \sin^2 \theta}[/tex]

Reference:
http://www.gravityprobeb.com/
http://www.astro.ku.dk/~cramer/RelViz/text/geom_web/node4.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is NASA's Gravity Probe B?

NASA's Gravity Probe B is a space mission that was launched in 2004 with the goal of testing Einstein's Theory of Relativity. It was designed to precisely measure the effects of gravity on space and time.

2. How does Gravity Probe B test Einstein's Theory of Relativity?

Gravity Probe B uses four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure the effects of Earth's gravity on the space-time fabric. According to Einstein's theory, the Earth's mass creates a dent in space-time, and the gyroscopes would experience a slight shift in their orientation as they orbit the Earth.

3. What were the results of the Gravity Probe B mission?

The Gravity Probe B mission confirmed Einstein's theory with an unprecedented level of accuracy. The results showed that the gyroscopes had experienced the predicted shift in their orientation, providing strong evidence for the existence of space-time curvature caused by mass.

4. Why is testing Einstein's Theory of Relativity important?

Einstein's Theory of Relativity is one of the fundamental theories of physics, and it has been the basis for our understanding of gravity for over a century. Testing this theory helps scientists to further understand the nature of space and time and potentially uncover new insights into the workings of the universe.

5. What is the significance of the Gravity Probe B mission?

The Gravity Probe B mission was a groundbreaking achievement in space science and has provided the most precise confirmation of Einstein's theory to date. It has also opened up new possibilities for future space missions and research on gravity and the nature of the universe.

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