CourtneyB


 * Current Research on the Theory of Relativity**

The theory of Relativity--although it hasn't been proven--has stood the test of time. As technology has advance, phenomenon occurring in space can be explain by this theory. Current research in X-ray astronomy cannot prove the theory of relativity, but has shown scientists supporting evidence such as gravitational redshifting, frame-dragging, gravitational lensing and Einsteinian orbits (Gibbs) Gravitational redshifting was first seen in 1995 from a newly developed Japanese X-ray satellite. Redshifting is when a light particle, also known as a photon, is pulled to a force of gravity. This only occurs under immense gravitation force--a black hole. This proved Einstein's theory that black holes have a gravitational well. This can be seen even better today with the more advanced Chandra X-ray Observatory.

In 2001, frame-shifting, which was predicted by the theory of Relativity, was visible. Frame-shifting is when a spinning object pulls the "fabric of space" with it (Gibbs). Once again, this is supporting evidence that the theory of relativity is correct.

Einsteinian orbits contradict to the Newtonian law (Dine). Newtonian law says that there can be an orbit of any radii, but Einsteinian orbits have an innermost orbit. The Rossi Explorer, which has zoomed in on black holes, has shown that the theory of relativity's prediction is correct. The particles orbit around the black hole and twist space with them.

Through new technology, we have been able to continue testing the theory of relativity. So far, the predictions made by Einstein have passed. His theory of relativity is how we learned about black holes and workings of time and space. “…many physicists believe that without Einstein, it could have been another few decades or more before another physicist worked out the concepts and mathematics of general relativity,” (Lightman). These concepts have affected scientists theories and understanding of the world and the rest of the universe.

Works Cited

Dixon, Robin M. __Goddard Library__. 2 Jan. 2007. 28 Jan. 2009 . This is a library created by NASA of their research. It is a reliable organization and credible authors/curators.

Karsh, Yousuf. __Hellas__. 1 Jan. 2005. 28 Jan. 2009 http://www.mlahanas.de/Physics/Bios/AlbertEinstein.html. This website is not sponsored by reliable source however the particular article is made by Yousuf Karsh who was a photographer when Einstein was alive. He created porfolios, like this one of Albert Einstein, of acomplished men and women. He won many awards and is well known in his field.

__Nation Master__. 1 Jan. 2005. 28 Jan. 2009 http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/General-relativity. Not a very credible site: it is sponsored by Wikipedia, however the website cites many reliable sources such as encyclopedias.

Hughs, Scott. __MIT Open Courseware__. 1 Jan. 2009. 28 Jan. 2009 http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/General-relativity. Not a very credible site: it is sponsored by Wikipedia, however the website cites many reliable sources such as encyclopedias.

Lightman, Alan. "Relativity and Cosmos." __NOVA: Science Programming on Air and Online.__ 1 June 2005. PBS. 28 Jan. 2009 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/einstein/relativity/. This is a well known science TV show on PBS that has a made website for there articles and videos. This particular article was created by an MIT Professor of Humanities.

Dine, Micheal. "Relativity." __NASA World Book.__ 1 Jan. 2004. NASA. 28 Jan. 2009 http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/relativity_worldbook.html. This is a website of public research by NASA. It is completed by experts and created by a reliable institution and therefore is a good source for research.

Gibb, Meredith. __Goddard Space Center__. 20 Aug. 2008. 28 Jan. 2009 . This website is perfect for school projects because it has words that students can understand and is great for teachers to use. There are lesson plans and pictures/videos. It is a very reliable site--made by NASA.