The general theory of relativity shows that the passage of time changes when there is a heavy object around it. It has been observed through experiments that time progresses faster as it moves away from a heavy object called the Earth with a precision of several centimeters.
The research team consists of 100,000 strontium atoms. Using an atomic clock for measurement, the energy state of strontium atoms installed in a light grid formed by laser light was observed, and the difference in the time progress method according to altitude was measured.
After analyzing the data over 90 hours, it was found that a difference in height of 1 mm produced a difference in the way time progressed by 1 percent of ten radians. Reportedly, this is the value expected by the general theory of relativity, and has been evaluated as the most accurate record ever made.
The paper summarizing this study is awaiting comments by researchers. This experiment has also attracted attention in that the precision of the measurement of the atomic clock has recently made remarkable progress. Related information can be found here.
Add comment