2009•arXiv (Cornell University)Open access
Opportunities for Probing Fundamental Gravity with Solar System\n Experiments
Slava G. Turyshev, Murphy, Jr., Thomas W., E. G. Adelberger, James Battat, D. G. Currie, W. M. Folkner, Jens H. Gundlach, Stephen Merkowitz, Kenneth Nordtvedt, R. D. Reasenberg, I. I. Shapiro, Michael Shao, C. W. Stubbs, Massimo Tinto, J. G. Williams, Nan Yu
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Abstract
The recent discovery of "dark energy" has challenged Einstein's general\ntheory of relativity as a complete model for our macroscopic universe. From a\ntheoretical view, the challenge is even stronger: general relativity clearly\ndoes not extend to the very small, where quantum mechanics holds sway.\nFundamental physics models thus require some major revisions. We must explore\ndeeper to both constrain and inspire this needed new physics. In the realm of\nthe solar-system, we can effectively probe for small deviations from the\npredictions of general relativity: Technology now offers a wide range of\nopportunities to pursue experiments with accuracies orders of magnitude better\nthan yet achieved. We describe both the relevant theoretical backgrounds and\nthe opportunities for far more accurate solar system experiments.\n
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