Abstract:
One aspect of the invention is a method of measuring the speed at which a variational gravitational field propagates. The gravitational field relates to a planet, and the planet has object of sufficient mass to change the gravitational field. The method comprises: moving a satellite in orbit around the planet so that it passes over the object; determining the distance L g  that a satellite travels from a predetermined position and a second position that coincides with the moment that the velocity of the satellite changes from the velocity that the satellite was traveling at the predetermined position due to a change in the gravitational field; determining the distance L em  that the satellite travels from the predetermined position to a third position that coincides with the moment that an electromagnetic signal to completes travel from the object to the satellite; and calculating the speed of the gravitational field according to the equation:  
         v   g     =     c          L   em       L   g                               
 
     where v g  is the speed at which the gravitational field travels and c is the speed of light.

Description:
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATION  
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/520,234, filed on Mar. 7, 2000. 
     
    
     
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to instrumentation and experimental arrangements, and more particularly, to apparatuses and methods for measuring the propagation speed of a variational gravitational field.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    For nearly a century, physicists have determined that the speed of light is the fastest speed in the universe. Scientists base this determination on Albert Einstein&#39;s theory of general relativity, which predicts that mass will become infinite if an object travels at the speed of light.  
           [0004]    However, observation of planetary masses notes that the forces from gravitational fields help hold together our universe. These forces hold planets together and they hold objects on planets. Gravitational forces also cause planets to move along defined orbits or paths within our galaxies and affect the relative positioned between galaxies themselves regardless the enormous distance.  
           [0005]    Furthermore, these forces appear to work instantaneously. Drop an object and it immediately falls to earth. Pass a satellite orbiting the earth over a mountain peak and its speed will instantly change with the distance between the center of the planet and the surface of the mountain.  
           [0006]    A question that this apparently instantaneous reaction raises is whether the propagation speed of the variational gravitational field is faster than the speed of light, which has long been presumed to be the fastest speed in the universe. If the propagation speed of the variational gravitational field is faster than the speed of light, this discovery could have many far reaching implications, practical as well as theoretical. For example, it may provide a basis for developing new and faster forms of communication.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, there is need for an apparatus and method to measure the propagation speed of a variational gravitational field.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0008]    One aspect of the invention is a method of measuring the speed at which a variational gravitational field propagates. The gravitational field relates to a planet, and the planet has object of sufficient mass to change the gravitational field. The method comprises: moving a satellite in orbit around the planet so that it passes over the object; determining the time interval Δt g  between a predetermined time and the moment that the velocity of the satellite changes due to a change in the gravitation field; determining the time interval Δt em  it takes an electromagnetic signal to travel from the object to the satellite, the electromagnetic signal beginning to travel at the predetermined time; and calculating the speed of the variational gravitational field according to the equation:  
         v   g     =     c          Δ                   t   em         Δ                   t   g                                 
 
           [0009]    where v g  is the speed at which the gravitational field travels and c is the speed of light.  
           [0010]    One possible alternative aspect of the present invention is a method comprising: moving a satellite in orbit around the planet so that it passes over the object; determining the distance L g  that a satellite travels from a predetermined position and a second position that coincides with the moment that the velocity of the satellite changes from the velocity that the satellite was traveling at the predetermined position due to a change in the gravitation field; determining the distance L em  that the satellite travels from the predetermined position to a third position that coincides with the moment that an electromagnetic signal to completes travel from the object to the satellite; and calculating the speed of the variational gravitational field according to the equation:  
         v   g     =     c          L   em       L   g                               
 
           [0011]    where v g  is the speed at which the gravitational field travels and c is the speed of light. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 illustrates the experimental setup for measuring gravity field speed.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote gravitational imaging arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is the block diagram of the remote Doppler radar imaging arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0015]    Various embodiments of the present invention, including a preferred embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to the described embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.  
         [0016]    In general terms, the present invention relates to an experimental setup and method for measuring the speed of propagation for a variational gravitational field. A satellite, carrying an electromagnetic imaging device, orbits a planet and passes over an object on the planet. A mountain is an example of such an object. The electromagnetic imaging device transmits an electromagnetic signal toward the mountain and detects the reflected signal. Additionally, the velocity (and changes in the velocity) of the satellite is measured as it passes over the object. The velocity of the satellite as it reacts to gradients or changes in the gravitational field is measured. Data related to propagation of the electromagnetic signal is compared to data related to the velocity of the satellite to determine the speed at which the variational gravitational field propagates.  
         [0017]    Referring now to FIG. 1, an electromagnetic imaging (EM) satellite  10  orbits the earth  12  along a path  14  and at a constant velocity v. A mountain  16  is located on the earth  12 . The earth  12  has a center  18 , and the distance  20  from the center  18  of the earth  12  to the path  14  is a predetermined and constant distance d. The path  14  of the satellite  10  passes over the mountain  16 . Although the earth  12  and a mountain  16  are discussed herein, any planetary mass or similar structure can be used in place of the earth. Additionally, any object that has enough mass to affect the speed of an orbiting satellite  10  can be used in place a mountain. Furthermore, the satellite  10  can be any structure that is capable of orbiting the earth  12 . Examples include both manned an unmanned spacecraft.  
         [0018]    As the satellite  10  moves along the path  14 , the strength of the gravitational fields to which it is subject will change depending on the terrain of the earth  12 . As the distance between the center  18  and the earth&#39;s surface increase, the strength of the gravitational field will increase. Similarly, as the distance between the center  18  and the earth&#39;s surface decreases, the strength of the gravitational field will decrease. As a result, the velocity of the satellite  10  will have to change to maintain the constant distance between the satellite  10  and the center  18  of the earth  12 . To repel the gravitational field as the satellite  10  passes over the mountain  16 , the velocity of the satellite  10  will have to increase as it travels toward the mountain&#39;s peak  20 . Similarly, to increase the effect of the gravitational field, the velocity of the satellite  10  will have to decrease as it travels away from the peak  20 .  
         [0019]    The gravitational interaction between the satellite  10  and the earth  12 , and hence changes in the velocity of the satellite  10 , happens within a very short time period. This interaction time is the variational gravity field propagation time (VGFPT). A Doppler radar  22  is mounted on the peak  20  of the mountain  16  and is used to measure the velocity of the satellite  10  as it passes over the mountain  16 . The electronics associated with the Doppler radar  22  generates data related to change in the velocity of the satellite  10  and the time at which the change occurs. This data is similar to the data used to create a slice image of the mountain  16 .  
         [0020]    An EM radar  24  is mounted on the satellite  10 . The EM radar  24  emits a signal to the mountain peak  20 . The signal is reflected off the mountain peak  20  and the reflected signal is detected by the EM radar  24 . The electronics in the satellite  10  records the time lapse between when the original signal is emitted from the EM radar  24  and the reflected signal is received by the EM radar  24 .  
         [0021]    Referring to FIG. 2, the Doppler radar  22  includes an antenna  26  aimed toward the satellite  10 . A signal source  28 , such as a signal generator, generates a signal that is fed to a transmitter  30 , fed through a circulator  32 , and sent to the antenna  26 . The signal excites the antenna  26 , which emits the signal toward the satellite  10 . The signal reflects off the satellite  10 , and the reflected signal is received at and excites the antenna  26 . The reflected signal is then fed back though the circulator  32 , through a receiver  34 , and fed to a frequency comparator  36 .  
         [0022]    The comparator  36  compares the reflected signal to the original signal generated by the signal generator  28 . The comparator  36  generates an information signal that is indicative of the frequency shift between the reflected signal and the original signal transmitted by the antenna  26 . This frequency shift results from the Doppler effect of the moving satellite  10 . The information signal is input to a processor  38 , which calculates the velocity of the satellite  10 .  
         [0023]    Additionally, a clock  39  inputs a clocking signal to the processor  38 . The processor  38  processes the clock input to determine the time lapse Δt g  between the predetermined time t 0  and the first moment after to that the velocity of the satellite  10  changes due to a change in the gravitational field. For purposes of the description set forth herein, t 0  occurs when the satellite  10  is positioned directly over the mountain peak  18 . However, the location of the satellite  10  at t 0  can be over any predetermined location on an object having a mass sufficient to cause gradients in the gravitational field of the planet  12 .  
         [0024]    Referring to FIG. 3, the EM radar  24  is mounted on the satellite  10  and includes an electromagnetic image generator. The electromagnetic image generator has an antenna  40  arranged so that it is aimed at the mountain  16  as the satellite  10  passes over the mountain  16 . A signal generator  42 , or some other signal source, generates a signal. The signal is fed through a transmitter  44 , fed through a circulator  46 , and then fed to the antenna  40 . In response to excitement by the signal, the antenna  40  radiates an electromagnetic signal toward the mountain  16 . The electromagnetic signal is reflected off the mountain  16  and the reflected signal excites the antenna  40 . From the antenna  40 , the reflected signal is fed through the circulator  46  to a receiver  48 . The reflected signal is then input to a processor  50 .  
         [0025]    There are two predetermined time delays in the circuit for the EM radar  24 . The first time delay t td1  is the time for the signal-generator signal to travel from the signal generator  42  to the antenna  40 , and the second time delay t td2  is the time required for the reflected signal to travel from the antenna  40  to the processor  50 . Additionally, a clock  52  inputs a clock signal to the processor  50 . The processor  50  controls the time that the signal generator  42  generates the signal-generator signal and feeds it to the transmitter  44 .  
         [0026]    The processor  50  also determines a second time value t rtn , which is the time that the reflected signal is input into the processor  50 . The processor  50  then determines the time, Δt em , it takes the electromagnetic signal to travel from the peak  20  of the mountain  16  to the antenna  40  of the EM radar  24 . Δt em  is equal to half the travel time of the electromagnetic signal from the antenna  40 , to the mountain  16 , and back to the antenna  40 . Accordingly, the time that it takes for the electromagnetic signal to travel from the mountain peak  20  to the antenna  40  is calculated by the equation:  
               Δ                   t   em       =         t   rtn     -     t   0     -     t   td2       2             (   1   )                               
 
         [0027]    To insure that Δt em  is accurately calculated, it is desirable that the distance the transmitted electromagnetic signal travels from the satellite  10  to the mountain peak  20  is substantially equal to the distance that the reflected electromagnetic signal travels from the mountain peak  20  to the satellite  10 . Accordingly, the antenna  40  begins to transmit the electromagnetic signal at location slightly before the peak  20  and a time slightly before t 0 . One possible way to determine the exact location and time to begin transmitting the electromagnetic signal is by measuring the location of the satellite  10  at both the moment the electromagnetic signal is transmitted and at the moment that the reflect signal is received. These measurements can be made in an iterative process until the desired accuracy of measurements is achieved.  
         [0028]    Although certain circuits and arrangements were disclosed in the foregoing descriptions of the EM radar  24  and the Doppler radar  22 , it is to be understood that any apparatus and method for gathering the required data can be used. For example, the electronics in the EM radar can be merely a transmitter, a receiver, and a data collection device. The calculations for time intervals are then performed on other computing apparatuses. Additionally, there could be other circuits for generating signals and determining time shifts, or time delays. Additionally, the circuits in the EM radar and the Doppler radar will include other components that are know to those skilled in the art such as amplifiers, modulators, filters, analog to digital converts, and the like.  
         [0029]    During the measurement experiment, as the satellite  10  travels along the path  14 , it crosses over the peak  20  of the mountain  16  at a time t 0 . As discussed above, the EM radar  24  begins to send a signal at time t 0 , and the Doppler radar  22  records the velocity of the satellite  10  at time t 0 . The time it takes for the electromagnetic signal to travel from the peak  20  of the mountain  16  to the antenna  40  of the EM radar  24  is Δt em . Accordingly:  
               Δ                   t   em       =     h   c             (   2   )                               
 
         [0030]    where c is the speed of light (3×10 8  meters/s) and h is the height 5. Electromagnetic or radio frequency signals travel at the speed of light.  
         [0031]    Similarly, the time it takes for the satellite  10  to sense the change in the gravitational field due to the mountain  16 , which is the time it takes for the gravitational field to propagate from the mountain  16  to the satellite  24 , is Δt g . Accordingly:  
               Δ                   t   g       =     h     v   g               (   3   )                               
 
         [0032]    where v g  is the speed at which the variational gravitational field propagates and h is the height 5.  
         [0033]    The satellite  10  will travel a certain distance while the electromagnetic radiation and gravitational field propagate to the satellite  10 . Accordingly, Δt em  and Δt g  can be determined by measuring the positional displacement of the satellite  10 . The satellite  10  will move total of distance:  
           L   em   =v ( t )Δ t   em    (4)  
         [0034]    during the time it takes for the electromagnetic signal reflected off the mountain peak  20  to reach the satellite  10 , where L em  is the distance the satellite  10  travels and v(t) is the velocity of the satellite  10 . Similarly, the satellite  10  will move a distance:  
           L   g   =v ( t )Δt g    (5)  
         [0035]    during the time it takes for the gravitational field to propagate to the satellite  10 , where L g  is the distance the satellite  10  travels and v(t) is the velocity of the satellite  10 .  
         [0036]    Given the mathematical relationships outlined in equations (2)-(5), the propagation speed for the variational gravitational field of the planet  12  can be derived to a proportional relationship as defined by the following equations. More specifically substituting the value of L em  from equation (4) into equation (5) gives:  
               L   g     =         L   em       Δ                   t   em            Δ                   t   g               (   6   )                               
 
         [0037]    Substituting the value of Δt g  from equation (3) into equation (6) gives:  
               L   g     =         L   em        h       Δ                   t   em          v   g                 (   7   )                               
 
         [0038]    Finally, substituting the value of Δt em  from equation (2) into equation (7) gives:  
                 L   g     =         L   em        h         h   c          v   g                
        or           (   8   )                 v   g     =     c          L   em       L   g                 (   9   )                               
 
         [0039]    This equation provides a way to determine the propagation rate of the variational gravitation field between the satellite and the Earth by measuring the distance L em  and L g . Thus, for example, if L em /L g  is 1000, then the variational gravitational field propagates 1000 times faster than the speed of light. If L em /L g  is 10 9 , then the variational gravitational field propagates 1 billion times faster than the speed of light.  
         [0040]    The distances for L em  and L g  can be calculated using equations (4) and (5) or can be measured. These distances can be measure using any type of accurate measuring system used to measure the position or satellite  10  that are known by those skilled in the art. Examples might include gyroscopic measuring systems, land-based radar systems, or any other navigational system.  
         [0041]    Alternatively, one can view the analysis by comparing the time values Δt em  and Δt g . Substituting equations (4) and (5) into equation (8) gives:  
               v   g     =     c          Δ                   t   em         Δ                   t   g                   (   10   )                               
 
         [0042]    If Δt em /Δt g  is 1000, then the variational gravitational field propagates 1000 times faster than the speed of light. If Δt em /Δt g  is 10 9 , then the variational gravitational field propagates 1 billion times faster than the speed of light. Accuracy can be verified by determining both the distance displacement (L em  and L g ) and time displacement (Δt em  and Δt g ), inserting these values into equations (8) and (9), respectively, and comparing the results.  
         [0043]    There are many alternative embodiments, for example, one could measure time values or distance to determine the velocity of the gravity. Additionally, one could use many different types of instrumentation to measure various time lapses or intervals or to measure the distance the satellite  10  travels between predefined events as discussed herein.  
         [0044]    The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the present invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.