‘Time Crystals’ Could Upend Physicists’ Theory of Time

Re:‘Time Crystals’ Could Upend Physicists’ Theory of Time by tzs on Tuesday April 30, 2013 @08:05PM (#5635677)

> A satellite in orbit is always accelerating as well, and will remain in constant motion if the orbit is far enough out (i.e. well beyond atmospheric drag).

If general relativity is correct, that system will generate gravity waves which will take away energy and the orbit will decay. This is a small effect, however, so we generally don't have to worry about it. E.g., Earth's orbit is decaying by about the width of a hydrogen atom every few hundred years.

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Re:‘Time Crystals’ Could Upend Physicists’ Theory of Time by baddox on Tuesday April 30, 2013 @08:11PM (#5635707)

Wouldn't tidal forces influence Earth's orbit much more than gravitational radiation? Although I suspect both are far too small to measure on a human time scale.

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Re:‘Time Crystals’ Could Upend Physicists’ Theory of Time by eru on Tuesday April 30, 2013 @11:06PM (#5636229)

If memory serves right, tidal forces are quite measurable. A centimetre a year or so extra in the distance between moon and earth.

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Re:‘Time Crystals’ Could Upend Physicists’ Theory of Time by baddox on Wednesday May 01, 2013 @01:53PM (#5639580)

Between the Moon and Earth, yes. I'm not so sure about between Earth and the Sun.

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