[ExI] Frame dragging across the universe...

Dylan Distasio interzone at gmail.com
Fri Jan 31 05:43:16 UTC 2020


Astronomers Have Caught a Star Literally Dragging Space-Time Around With It
BY MATTHEW BAILES & VIVEK VENKATRAMAN KRISHNAN, THE CONVERSATION
JANUARY 31, 2020
One of the predictions of Einstein's general theory of relativity is that
any spinning body drags the very fabric of space-time in its vicinity
around with it. This is known as "frame-dragging".

In everyday life, frame-dragging is both undetectable and inconsequential,
as the effect is so ridiculously tiny. Detecting the frame-dragging caused
by the entire Earth's spin requires satellites such as the US$750 million
Gravity Probe B, and the detection of angular changes in gyroscopes
equivalent to just one degree every 100,000 years or so.
Luckily for us, the Universe contains many naturally occurring
gravitational laboratories where physicists can observe Einstein's
predictions at work in exquisite detail.
Our team's research, published today in Science, reveals evidence of
frame-dragging on a much more noticeable scale, using a radio telescope and
a unique pair of compact stars whizzing around each other at dizzying
speeds.
The motion of these stars would have perplexed astronomers in Newton's
time, as they clearly move in a warped space-time, and require Einstein's
general theory of relativity to explain their trajectories.

https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-caught-a-star-in-the-act-of-warping-the-fabric-of-space-and-time
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