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The Lense-Thirring Effect

The Lense-Thirring Effect. Alex Robson. Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Einstein realised the Newtonian theory of gravity did not account for events over large distances. Space is not just an empty place where things happen, but, combined with time, is a kind of fabric. General Relativity.

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The Lense-Thirring Effect

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  1. The Lense-Thirring Effect Alex Robson

  2. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) Einstein realised the Newtonian theory of gravity did not account for events over large distances. Space is not just an empty place where things happen, but, combined with time, is a kind of fabric. General Relativity

  3. Space-Time Fabric • The properties of this space-time fabric dictate how things move within it. • If a heavy spherical mass were placed on a rubber sheet, it would deform this sheet. • In the same way mass-energy in space-time warps the area accordingly.

  4. The Lense-Thirring Effect • In 1918, Joseph Lense and Hans Thirring predicted frame dragging. • Any object with mass warps space-time around itself. • If this object is spinning, it will induce a second distortion as it twists space-time around itself. • If the space around this first mass is being dragged, then objects in or near this space should also affected.

  5. Detecting the Lense-Thirring Effect • Two satellites, LAGEOS and LAGEOS 2 have been used to detect the Lense-Thirring effect over 11 years. • Each satellite is a highly reflective sphere. • Laser signals are bounced off these satellites, and then analysed. • The result from this is 99% of the predicted value (from Einstein’s general theory of relativity), with a 10% error margin. • Another satellite, Gravity Probe B, is intended to measure the Lense-Thirring Effect.

  6. Summary • Any object with mass warps space-time. • If this mass spins, it will induce a second distortion around itself, as it drags the space-time fabric. • Objects within this region of space should be affected by it. • The Lense-Thirring effect has been confirmed with the LAGEOS and LAGEOS 2 satellites. • Gravity Probe B is also to measure the Lense-Thirring Effect.

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