EFFECTS OF GENERAL RELATIVITY ON INTERPLANETARY TIME-DELAY MEASUREMENTS

Abstract

The predictions of general relativity regarding interplanetary time- delay measurements are explored in detail. We conclude that a fourth test of the theory is now feasible since the modifications of general relativity introduce on extra delay of about 200 micro sec when radar waves are reflected from either Mercury or Venus near superior conjunction. The uses of such measurements to investigate the solar corona, a possible time dependence of the gravitational constant, and the precession of Mercury's perihelion are also discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 18, 1964
Accession Number
AD0614232

Entities

People

  • Irwin I. Shapiro

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • General Relativity
  • Measurement
  • Perihelions
  • Precession
  • Solar Corona
  • Time Dependence

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.