Extraction of the Speed of Gravity (Light) from Gravity Observations Only

Espen Gaarder Haug

doi:10.4236/ijaa.2019.92008

Abstract

We show how one can measure the speed of gravity only using gravitational phenomena. Our approach offers several ways to measure the speed of gravity (light) and checks existing assumptions about light (gravity) in new types of experiments. The speed of light is included in several well-known gravitational formulas. However, if we can measure this speed from gravitational phenomena alone, then is it the speed of light or the speed of gravity we are measuring? We think it is more than a mere coincidence that they are the same. In addition, even if it is not possible to draw strong conclusions now, our formulations support the view that there is a link between electromagnetism and gravity. This paper also shows that all major gravity phenomena can be predicted from only performing two to three light observations. There is no need for knowledge of Newton’s gravitational constant G or the mass size to complete a series of major gravity predictions.

Highlights

In 1890, Maurice Lévy [1] suggested that the speed of gravity is equal to the speed of light
If we can measure this speed from gravitational phenomena alone, is it the speed of light or the speed of gravity we are measuring? We think it is more than a mere coincidence that they are the same
Why can we find the speed of light, as we will show, by observing gravitational phenomena? In undertaking this exploration, we will gain some insight into how the gravity formulas were derived in the first place

Summary

Introduction

In 1890, Maurice Lévy [1] suggested that the speed of gravity is equal to the speed of light. The formula can be found from Newton’s gravity theory [16] by setting the radius equal to the point where Newton’s escape velocity is the speed of light. The formula can be found from Newton’s gravity theory [16] by setting the radius equal to the point where Newton’s escape velocity is the speed of light1 It can be derived from Einstein’s theory of general relativity [3] in combination with the Schwarzschild metric [17] [18] because the escape velocity there supposedly is the same [19]. We could send a laser beam between two satellites orbiting the Earth at different altitudes and we could just as well use the orbital velocities

Speed of Gravity from Orbital Velocity and Two Atomic Clocks

Isotropic or Anisotropic?

Conclusions