Abstract
An experimental verification of Einstein's equivalence principle has been made using an atomic hydrogen maser in a space probe attaining an altitude of 10,000 km above the earth's surface. At the present stage of the data reduction, confirmation is at the 2×10−4 level of accuracy. The experiment and the resulting data are described including a comment on the limits to the anisotropy of the velocity of light. We believe that this is the first direct, high-accuracy test of the symmetry of the propagation of light and a beginning in the use of high-accuracy clocks in space to measure relativistic phenomena.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Vessot, R. F. C., and Levine, M. W. (1977). InExperimental Gravitation, ed. B. Bertotti (Atti dei Convegni Lincei, Academia Nazionale dei Lincei, Roma), vol. 34, p. 371.
Nordtvedt, K. (1976). InExperimental Gravitation, ed. B. Bertotti (Atti dei Convergni Lincei, Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Roma), vol. 39, p. 247.
Bibliography
Blamont, J. E., and Rodier, F. (1961).Phys. Rev. Lett.,7, 437.
Btault, J. W. (1962). Ph.D. Thesis, Princeton University.
Einstein, A. (1911).Ann. Phys. (Leipzig),35, 898.
Pound, R. V., and Rebka, G. A., Jr. (1960).Phys. Rev. Lett.,4, 337.
Rodier, F. (1965).Ann. Astrophys.,28, 463.
Snidler, J. L. (1970).Solar Phys.,12, 352.
Snider, J. L. (1972).Phys. Rev. Lett.,28, 853.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This essay was awarded the fourth prize for 1978 by the Gravity Research Foundation. (Ed.)
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Vessot, R.F.C., Levine, M.W. A test of the equivalence principle using a space-borne clock. Gen Relat Gravit 10, 181–204 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00759854
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00759854