Los Angeles, California – Exciting developments in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology are on the horizon. With advancements in observatories, instruments, and innovative techniques, scientists are edging closer to experimental confirmation of theories that have long remained untested. These theories aim to address fundamental questions surrounding the Universe and the laws that govern it, such as the mysterious nature of gravity, Dark Matter, and Dark Energy.
For decades, scientists have grappled with the idea that there may be additional physics at play or that the current cosmological model requires revision. One of the most perplexing enigmas facing scientists is the existence and characteristics of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, sparking ongoing investigations and efforts to unravel these mysteries by exploring the potential existence of new physics.
In a recent publication, a team of researchers from NASA put forth a proposal outlining how spacecraft could be utilized to seek out evidence of additional physics within our Solar System. This proposal suggests that spacecraft operating in a tetrahedral formation and employing interferometers could potentially uncover answers to a cosmological puzzle that has puzzled scientists for more than fifty years.
Led by Slava G. Turyshev, an adjunct professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the team includes Sheng-wey Chiow from NASA JPL, and Nan Yu from the University of South Carolina and NASA JPL. Their research, recently accepted for publication in Physical Review D, presents a pioneering approach to investigating the mysteries of the cosmos.
By utilizing local measurement techniques and interferometers, the proposed spacecraft mission would aim to detect deviations from the predictions of general relativity at a Solar System scale. This precision-driven mission seeks to explore the subtle yet significant contributions to the gravity gradient tensor, a feat requiring precision unparalleled by current technology.
The spacecraft will be equipped with sophisticated tools such as interferometric laser ranging and atom interferometers to detect and mitigate non-gravitational noise, allowing for unparalleled accuracy in measurements. The strategic use of a tetrahedral formation will optimize the spacecraft’s ability to compare data and provide insights into the rotation of the formation relative to an inertial reference frame, a task previously unachievable.
Turyshev and his team are embarking on a mission that aims to test general relativity on a minute scale, a crucial step forward in the field of gravitational studies. By pushing the boundaries of current scientific capabilities, the mission not only seeks to enhance our understanding of general relativity and gravitational theories but also to delve into uncharted territories, such as exploring the presence of gravitational waves in the micro-Hertz range and investigating aspects of the solar system like the hypothetical Planet 9.
Through their innovative approach and multifaceted scientific objectives, Turyshev and his colleagues are poised to shed light on some of the most enduring cosmic mysteries while pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. As they delve deeper into the realms of theoretical physics and observational astronomy, their work promises to revolutionize our understanding of the Universe and the forces that shape it.