The
second prediction of general relativity that GP - B is testing is known as frame dragging, which is caused by a spinning celestial body dragging spacetime with it ever so slightly as it turns.
Any deviations the Event Horizon Telescope measures from
the predictions of general relativity have the potential to challenge our understanding of black hole physics.
«We're really looking at probing
the predictions of general relativity even more deeply,» says Will.
Crucially, the observed amount of infall is explained well by
the predictions of general relativity.
The point of the measurement was to confirm two
predictions of general relativity.
The largest, dubbed LARES, will test the Lense - Thirring effect,
a prediction of general relativity that concerns the distortion of spacetime by a rotating massive body.
Studying pulsar binary systems could be a good way to observe them and check that
the predictions of general relativity are true.
After a rigorous analysis process of adding all the observational data together, they saw that the iron line was wobbling in accordance with
the predictions of general relativity.
So if astronomers can understand the physics of the matter that is flowing into the black hole, they can use it to test
the predictions of general relativity as never before — but only if the movement of the matter in the accretion disc can be completely understood.
A deviation from
the predictions of general relativity would be welcomed by a lot of astronomers and physicists.
The rate of orbital wane matches perfectly with
the predictions of general relativity, Kramer reported December 16 at the Texas Symposium on Relativistic Astrophysics.
Feng said the B - mode polarization data in his study, while consistent with
the predictions of general relativity, are not statistically significant enough yet to make any firm claims about neutrino masses.
Apart from intensively studying the planet itself, mission planners also hope to use the probe's proximity to the Sun to test
the predictions of General Relativity theory with improved accuracy.
A failure in
the predictions of General Relativity «would have been excellent news,» he affirms, «because finding deviations is a hint that there is more to be learned, and that would be very exciting.»
«We can see no deviation from
the predictions of general relativity, and this greater distance helps us to make that statement with more confidence.»