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This 1985 text offers a comprehensive survey of research and testing conducted in general relativity. As background it introduces the important principles of gravitational theory and develops the mathematical formalism necessary to carry out specific computations in order to compare theoretical predictions with experimental findings. The survey of experimental results includes not only Einstein's classical tests but also solar-system tests, never envisioned by Einstein, that make use of the high-precision space technology of the 1960s and 1970s. It also gives a systematic account of the remarkable 'binar pulsar' PSP 1913 16, the first evidence of gravitational waves. This volume will be a useful point of reference for any reader interested in the empirical underpinnings of one of the great theories of the twentieth century.
Our vast Universe is filled with an enormous amount of matter and energy, which are the source of large gravitational potentials affecting all physical phenomena. Because this fact about the size and contents of the Universe was not known when our fundamental theories of dynamics and relativity were completed by the 1920s, the current theories - based as they are in empty space - fail to incorporate cosmic gravity. Though the current theories are consistent with the majority of empirical facts, there are some crucial discrepancies, which demand a drastic shift to a cosmic gravitational paradigm for the theories of relativity and dynamics. The book is a detailed and widely accessible account of this paradigm, called Cosmic Relativity, supported by ample empirical evidence. It is established that all motional relativistic effects are cosmic gravitational effects. The new theory of Cosmic Relativity solves and answers all outstanding questions and puzzles about dynamics and relativity.
The evolution of gravitational tests from an epistemological perspective framed in the concept of rational reconstruction of Imre Lakatos, based on his methodology of research programmes. Unlike other works on the same subject, the evaluated period is very extensive, starting with Newton's natural philosophy and up to the quantum gravity theories of today. In order to explain in a more rational way the complex evolution of the gravity concept of the last century, I propose a natural extension of the methodology of the research programmes of Lakatos that I then use during the paper. I believe that this approach offers a new perspective on how evolved over time the concept of gravity and the methods of testing each theory of gravity, through observations and experiments. I argue, based on the methodology of the research programmes and the studies of scientists and philosophers, that the current theories of quantum gravity are degenerative, due to the lack of experimental evidence over a long period of time and of self-immunization against the possibility of falsification. Moreover, a methodological current is being developed that assigns a secondary, unimportant role to verification through observations and/or experiments. For this reason, it will not be possible to have a complete theory of quantum gravity in its current form, which to include to the limit the general relativity, since physical theories have always been adjusted, during their evolution, based on observational or experimental tests, and verified by the predictions made. Also, contrary to a widespread opinion and current active programs regarding the unification of all the fundamental forces of physics in a single final theory, based on string theory, I argue that this unification is generally unlikely, and it is not possible anyway for a unification to be developed based on current theories of quantum gravity, including string theory. In addition, I support the views of some scientists and philosophers that currently too much resources are being consumed on the idea of developing quantum gravity theories, and in particular string theory, to include general relativity and to unify gravity with other forces, as long as science does not impose such research programs. CONTENTS: Introduction Gravity Gravitational tests Methodology of Lakatos - Scientific rationality The natural extension of the Lakatos methodology Bifurcated programs Unifying programs 1. Newtonian gravity 1.1 Heuristics of Newtonian gravity 1.2 Proliferation of post-Newtonian theories 1.3 Tests of post-Newtonian theories 1.3.1 Newton's proposed tests 1.3.2 Tests of post-Newtonian theories 1.4 Newtonian gravity anomalies 1.5 Saturation point in Newtonian gravity 2. General relativity 2.1 Heuristics of the general relativity 2.2 Proliferation of post-Einsteinian gravitational theories 2.3 Post-Newtonian parameterized formalism (PPN) 2.4 Tests of general relativity and post-Einsteinian theories 2.4.1 Tests proposed by Einstein 2.4.2 Tests of post-Einsteinian theories 2.4.3 Classic tests 2.4.3.1 Precision of Mercury's perihelion 2.4.3.2 Light deflection 2.4.3.3 Gravitational redshift 2.4.4 Modern tests 2.4.4.1 Shapiro Delay 2.4.4.2 Gravitational dilation of time 2.4.4.3 Frame dragging and geodetic effect 2.4.4.4 Testing of the principle of equivalence 2.4.4.5 Solar system tests 2.4.5 Strong field gravitational tests 2.4.5.1 Gravitational lenses 2.4.5.2 Gravitational waves 2.4.5.3 Synchronization binary pulsars 2.4.5.4 Extreme environments 2.4.6 Cosmological tests 2.4.6.1 The expanding universe 2.4.6.2 Cosmological observations 2.4.6.3 Monitoring of weak gravitational lenses 2.5 Anomalies of general relativity 2.6 The saturation point of general relativity 3. Quantum gravity 3.1 Heuristics of quantum gravity 3.2 The tests of quantum gravity 3.3 Canonical quantum gravity 3.3.1 Tests proposed for the CQG 3.3.2. Loop quantum gravity 3.4 String theory 3.4.1 Heuristics of string theory 3.4.2. Anomalies of string theory 3.5 Other theories of quantum gravity 3.6 Unification (The Final Theory) 4. Cosmology Conclusions Notes Bibliography DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.35350.70724
This book develops new science of gravity and light based on the century-old Le Sage theory of an ether that was replaced by Einsteins Theory of Relativity. After presenting astrophysical data contradicting the theory that the universe is expanding from a Big Bang, experiments believed to prove Relativity are shown to actually prove the ether theory instead. Freedom from the speed limit of light enables a science of subatomic particles traveling faster than light to produce gravity, electric and magnetic fields, light, and radio waves. Major technical innovations include solving the two fundamental problems with the Le Sage gravity theory and extending this theory to electromagnetism and consciousness. This is a theory of everything that explains the heretofore-unknown causes of the forces of nature. This book builds on the works of Zecharia Sitchin and other authors to explain how life developed on Earth and that evolution requires direction from intelligence that dwells in the subatomic particles on which this theory of gravity and light is based. Our biblical God is shown to be a composite of Sitchins extraterrestrial gods who colonized Earth and the intelligence that dwells alongside our own mind in the particles from which the universe is constructed and powered.
This book is an excellent introduction to the subjects of gravitation and space-time structure. It presumes a good background in special relativity, electrodynamics, and classical mechanics. The book discusses the foundations of Riemannian geometry; the derivation of the Einstein field equations; linearised theory, far fields and gravitational waves; the invariant characterization of exact solutions; gravitational collapse; cosmology; and a final chapter deals with alternative gravitation theories and the problem of quantum gravity. This revised and correct edition brings the experimental evidence up to date. In addition, the sections on quantum gravity have been rewritten and enlarged, and now form a coherent introduction to this subject.
