Bend in space-time calculated by Einstein proven by $760M NASA satellite
Time bending S.Dali, photo by dorje-d
On April 14, 2007, a 47-year project costing $760 million announced that Albert Einstein’s 90-year-old theory about the universe was correct, “to a precision of better than 1 per cent.”
As a training ground for 79 Ph.D. candidates and 15 Masters degrees, the Gravity Probe B Relativity Mission (GP-B) was created, carrying four ultra-precise gyroscopes to directly measure minute distortions in the fabric of the universe — effects predicted by Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Spearheaded by Stanford physicist professor Francis Everitt, this was one of the longest running, continuous projects between Stanford University, NASA, and Lockheed Martin.
The first predicted effect is known as the “geodetic effect” where an object such as Earth can distort or bend the fabric of space and time. According to Einstein, gravity was not a force but a result of the distortion of space and time.
“Any object distorts the fabric of space-time and the bigger it is, the greater the effect. Just as a bowling ball placed on a trampoline stretches the fabric and causes it to sag, so planets and stars warp space-time — a phenomenon known as the ‘geodetic effect.’ A marble moving along the trampoline will be drawn inexorably towards the ball.
Thus the planets orbiting the Sun are not being pulled by the Sun; they are following the curved space-time deformation caused by the Sun. The reason the planets never fall into the Sun is because of the speed at which they are traveling.
According to the theory, matter and energy distort space-time, curving it around themselves.”
Thus, the second effect of the Einstein’s theory, “frame dragging,” theoretically occurs when the rotation of a large body ‘twists’ nearby space and time. Although the GP-B has the resolution to measure the frame-dragging effect, Stanford scientists found certain artifacts in the data from GP-B which need to be removed. Results from the frame-dragging calculations will be announced later this year in December, so stay tuned.
Now, if there is a point where the space-time continuum bends upon itself, would time travel be possible? And who would we send first to travel back or forward in time… Snuman? (See recent blog entry.)
Anyway, if you want to read about the two other surprising discoveries made from the gyroscope data (no, they didn’t find aliens?!) and the dozen new technologies that were discovered along the way, click here Gravity Probe B.
Lincoln Kim is a member of the healthcare and life sciences team of the MaRS Venture Group. He evaluates and supports the development of technology platforms and commercial market opportunities of start up and emerging companies, facilitates collaboration among research groups and between research scientists and industry.