Astronomy/space

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Expert: - 3/6/2011


Question
according to the special relativity theory of Einstein when a mass is moving away from gravitational  mass the clock runs slower than the clock which is at the surface of the earth

Answer
Yes, special relativity (dealing with velocity and light speed) makes the clock run slower because of the velocity relative to light, irrespective of whether or not there is a mass nearby.  But General Relativity comes into play with time and center of mass, and a clock runs faster as you depart the center of mass, and slower as you approach a high mass, say a black hole, terminating
with zero time (infinite time dilation) at the event horizon of the black hole.
SEE the GPS article I sent you, at
http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Unit5/gps.html
Clear Skies,
Tom  

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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