An orbiting disco ball gave Einstein’s theory its most precise test yet

An orbiting satellite equipped with atomic clocks tested Einstein's general relativity theory by measuring how Earth's gravitational field distorts spacetime, producing results more precise than any previous ground-based experiment. The satellite detected the effect predicted by Einstein's equations: time moves slightly slower in regions of stronger gravity, such as closer to Earth's surface. Researchers compared atomic clock readings from the orbiting satellite to ground stations and found the measurements matched Einstein's theoretical predictions to within a margin of error smaller than in prior tests.

Next story