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Register a new userOpportunities for Probing Fundamental Gravity with Solar System Experiments
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The recent discovery of dark energy has challenged Einsteins general theory of relativity as a complete model for our macroscopic universe. From a theoretical view, the challenge is even stronger: general relativity clearly does not extend to the very small, where quantum mechanics holds sway. Fundamental physics models thus require some major revisions. We must explore deeper to both constrain and inspire this needed new physics. In the realm of the solar-system, we can effectively probe for small deviations from the predictions of general relativity: Technology now offers a wide range of opportunities to pursue experiments with accuracies orders of magnitude better than yet achieved. We describe both the relevant theoretical backgrounds and the opportunities for far more accurate solar system experiments.
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The laws of gravitation have been tested for a long time with steadily improving precision, leading at some moment of time to paradigmatic evolutions. Pursuing this continual effort is of great importance for science. In this communication, we focus on Solar System tests of gravity and more precisely on possible tests that can be performed with radio science observations (Range and Doppler). After briefly reviewing the current tests of gravitation at Solar System scales, we give motivations to continue such experiments. In order to obtain signature and estimate the amplitude of anomalous signals that could show up in radio science observables because of modified gravitational laws, we developed a new software that simulates Range/Doppler signals. We present this new tool that simulates radio science observables directly from the space-time metric. We apply this tool to the Cassini mission during its cruise from Jupiter to Saturn and derive constraints on the parameters entering alternative theories of gravity beyond the standard Parametrized Post Newtonian theory.
The explosive coalescence of two black holes 1.3 billion light years away has for the very first time allowed us to peer into the extreme gravity region of spacetime surrounding these events. With these maximally compact objects reaching speeds up to 60% the speed of light, collision events such as these create harsh spacetime environments where the fields are strong, non-linear, and highly dynamical -- a place yet un-probed in human history. On September 14, 2015, the iconic chirp signal from such an event was registered simultaneously by both of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) detectors -- by an unparalleled feat of modern engineering. Dubbed GW150914, this gravitational wave event paved the way for an entirely new observing window into the universe, providing for the unique opportunity to probe fundamental physics from an entirely new viewpoint. Since this historic event, the LIGO/Virgo collaboration (LVC) has further identified ten additional gravitational wave signals in its first two observing runs, composed of a myriad of different events. Important among these new cataloged detections is GW170817, the first detection of gravitational waves from the merger of two neutron stars, giving way to new insight into the supranuclear physics resident within. This thesis explores this new unique opportunity to harness the information encoded within gravitational waves in regards to their source whence they came, to probe fundamental physics from an entirely new perspective. Part A focuses on probing nuclear physics by way of the tidal information encoded within gravitational waves from binary neutron star mergers. Part B focuses on testing general relativity from such events by way of the remnants of such spacetime encoded within the gravitational wave signal.
The field equations of Mannheims theory of conformal gravity with dynamic mass generation are solved numerically in the interior and exterior regions of a model spherically symmetric sun with matched boundary conditions at the surface. The model consists of a generic fermion field inside the sun, and a scalar Higgs field in both the interior and exterior regions. From the conformal geodesic equations it is shown how an asymptotic gradient in the Higgs field causes an anomalous radial acceleration in qualitative agreement with that observed on the Pioneer 10/11, Galileo, and Ulysses spacecraft. At the same time the standard solar system tests of general relativity are preserved within the limits of observation.
A number of proposals have been put forward to account for the observed accelerating expansion of the Universe through modifications of gravity. One specific scenario, Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) gravity, gives rise to a potentially observable anomaly in the solar system: all planets would exhibit a common anomalous precession, dw/dt, in excess of the prediction of General Relativity. We have used the Planetary Ephemeris Program (PEP) along with planetary radar and radio tracking data to set a constraint of |dw/dt| < 0.02 arcseconds per century on the presence of any such common precession. This sensitivity falls short of that needed to detect the estimated universal precession of |dw/dt| = 5e-4 arcseconds per century expected in the DGP scenario. We discuss the fact that ranging data between objects that orbit in a common plane cannot constrain the DGP scenario. It is only through the relative inclinations of the planetary orbital planes that solar system ranging data have sensitivity to the DGP-like effect of universal precession. In addition, we illustrate the importance of performing a numerical evaluation of the sensitivity of the data set and model to any perturbative precession.
We summarise the scientific and technological aspects of the SAGAS (Search for Anomalous Gravitation using Atomic Sensors) project, submitted to ESA in June 2007 in response to the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 call for proposals. The proposed mission aims at flying highly sensitive atomic sensors (optical clock, cold atom accelerometer, optical link) on a Solar System escape trajectory in the 2020 to 2030 time-frame. SAGAS has numerous science objectives in fundamental physics and Solar System science, for example numerous tests of general relativity and the exploration of the Kuiper belt. The combination of highly sensitive atomic sensors and of the laser link well adapted for large distances will allow measurements with unprecedented accuracy and on scales never reached before. We present the proposed mission in some detail, with particular emphasis on the science goals and associated measurements.
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