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Question
can you explain the universal law of gravitation?
Hi Monisha,
Sir Isaac Newton first wrote down the universal law of gravitation, saying that any two masses attract each other with a force proportional to the product of their masses, and inversely proportional to the square of their distance apart.
That's the law - that a force exists. But no one knows WHY the force exists, or the exact mechanism of the force (although Einstein identified the curvature of space-time as a prime culprit). But gravitation is largely an unsolved problem of physics.
Prof. James Gort
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James Gort
Expertise
Questions on observational astronomy, optics, and astrophysics. Specializing in the evolution of stars, variable stars, supernovae, neuton stars/pulsars, black holes, quasars, and cosmology.
Experience
I was a professional astronomer (University of Texas, McDonald Observatory), lecturer at the Adler Planetarium, professor of astrophysics, and amateur astronomer for 42 years. I have made numerous telescopes, and I am currently building one of the largest private observatories in Canada.
Publications
StarDate, University of Texas, numerous Journal Publications
Education/Credentials
B.A. Physics and Astronomy
M.Sc. Physics
Ph.D. Astrophysics
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