IMPROVING LLR TESTS OF GRAVITATIONAL THEORY

DOI10.1142/S0218271804004682MaRDI QIDQ4812712zbMATH OpenFDO

Authors James G. Williams, Slava G. Turyshev, Thomas Murphy

Publication date 23 August 2004

Published in International Journal of Modern Physics D (Search for Journal in Brave)

Full work available at URL https://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0311021

zbMATH Keywords

general relativityequivalence principlelunar laser rangingGravitational physics

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Relativistic gravitational theories other than Einstein's, including asymmetric field theories (83D05) Observational and experimental questions in relativity and gravitational theory (83B05)

Abstract: Accurate analysis of precision ranges to the Moon has provided several tests of gravitational theory including the Equivalence Principle, geodetic precession, parameterized post-Newtonian (PPN) parameters $gamma$ and $$, and the constancy of the gravitational constant {it G}. Since the beginning of the experiment in 1969, the uncertainties of these tests have decreased considerably as data accuracies have improved and data time span has lengthened. We are exploring the modeling improvements necessary to proceed from cm to mm range accuracies enabled by the new Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation (APOLLO) currently under development in New Mexico. This facility will be able to make a significant contribution to the solar system tests of fundamental and gravitational physics. In particular, the Weak and Strong Equivalence Principle tests would have a sensitivity approaching 10${}^{-14}$, yielding sensitivity for the SEP violation parameter $eta$ of $sim3imes10^{-5}$, $v^2/c^2$ general relativistic effects would be tested to better than 0.1%, and measurements of the relative change in the gravitational constant, $dotG/G$, would be $sim0.1$% the inverse age of the universe. Having this expected accuracy in mind, we discusses the current techniques, methods and existing physical models used to process the LLR data. We also identify the challenges for modeling and data analysis that the LLR community faces today in order to take full advantage of the new APOLLO ranging station.

Recommendations

• Relativistic tests with lunar laser ranging
• LUNAR LASER RANGING TESTS OF THE EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE WITH THE EARTH AND MOON
• Tests of gravity using lunar laser ranging
• d G /d t measurement and the timing of lunar laser ranging observations
• Lunar laser ranging test of the Nordtvedt parameter and a possible variation in the gravitational constant

Cites work

• 30 years of lunar laser ranging and the gravitational interaction
• Long-range tests of the equivalence principle
• New tests of Einstein's equivalence principle and Newton's inverse-square law
• Probing quantum violations of the equivalence principle
• The string dilaton and a least coupling principle

Cited in

(13)

• Test of the equivalence principle for galaxy's dark matter by lunar laser ranging
• Tests of gravity using lunar laser ranging
• CELESTIAL OPTICAL INTERFEROMETRY: A NEW TOOL FOR ULTRAHIGH PRECISION STUDIES IN GRAVITY
• The Pioneer anomaly
• The confrontation between general relativity and experiment
• Gravitation and inertia; a rearrangement of vacuum in gravity
• LUNAR LASER RANGING TESTS OF THE EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE WITH THE EARTH AND MOON
• Celestial reference frames and the gauge freedom in the post-Newtonian mechanics of the Earth-Moon system
• Geodesy and relativity
• Will it be possible to measure intrinsic gravitomagnetism with lunar laser ranging?
• d G /d t measurement and the timing of lunar laser ranging observations
• The confrontation between general relativity and experiment
• Insight-building models for lunar range and range rate

This page was built for publication: IMPROVING LLR TESTS OF GRAVITATIONAL THEORY

Report a bug (only for logged in users!)Click here to report a bug for this page (MaRDI item Q4812712)