Berlin 2014 – scientific programme
Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help
GR: Fachverband Gravitation und Relativitätstheorie
GR 5: Experimental Gravitation II
GR 5.4: Talk
Monday, March 17, 2014, 15:45–16:05, SPA SR220
Is it possible to measure the gravitomagnetic clock effect? — Eva Hackmann1, •Claus Lämmerzahl1, and Fritz Merkle2 — 1ZARM, University of Bremen, Germany — 2OHB-Systems, Bremen, Germany
On the level of orbits of satellites the gravitomagnetic field of a rotating gravitating body like the Earth manifests itself in the precession of the orbital plane, which is known as the Lense-Thirring effect, or in the precession of the spin of a spinning top, known as the Schiff effect. Here we discuss the question whether and how this gravitomagnetic field can also be detected using clocks on orbiting satellites. Two clocks on counter rotating equatorial circular orbits around the Earth show a difference of about 10−7 s per revolution. However, the detectability of this effect depends on the accuracy and stability of the used clocks as well as on the precise knowledge of the satellites orbits. We show that with present technology it is possible in principle to measure this gravitomagnetic clock effect with satellites on arbitrary orbits. In particular, we analyze whether this gravitomagnetic clock effect has an impact on the clocks on the Galileo satellites. Such a measurement would constitute another important Solar System test of Einstein’s General Relativity.