GPS: When Einstein's Theory Met Navigation.
Aug 09, 2023 · 2 mins read
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Einstein's theory predicted that time behaves differently in strong gravitational fields. That means time moves slower near massive objects.
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Now, fast-forward to the GPS satellites whizzing around in space. These clever devices have super-precise atomic clocks onboard. But here's the twist: thanks to Einstein, we know they tick just a teensy bit faster in weaker gravity zones.
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These satellites are further from Earth's gravity pull. So, guess what? Einstein's theory tells us their clocks run faster than those down here on the ground.
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But wait, "how does this affect the GPS?" Well, here's the thing: without adjusting for this 'time dilation,' GPS calculations would drift over time. Your navigation directions could go haywire!
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So, the minds behind GPS programming made sure to factor in Einstein's time-tinkering theory. They tweaked the satellite systems to account for this cosmic clock quirk. Talk about science fiction becoming reality.
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And there you have it! Thanks to Einstein's genius, your GPS is accurate to a tee. Next time you're using those navigation instructions, remember you're indirectly benefiting from one of the greatest minds in history.
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