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Gravity satellite feels the force ( It's up and working,...says the BBC)
BBC ^
| Monday, 6 April 2009 00:07 UK 23:07 GMT,
| Jonathan Amos Science reporter, BBC News
Posted on 04/06/2009 5:03:52 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Europe's innovative Goce satellite has switched on the super-sensitive instrument that will make ultra-fine measurements of Earth's gravity.
The sophisticated gradiometer will feel the subtle variations in Earth's tug as it sweeps around the globe.
The spacecraft has also fired up the British-built engine that will help maintain its orbit.
Goce needs tiny but continuous levels of thrust to keep it stable and prevent it from falling out of the sky.
European Space Agency (Esa) mission manager Rune Floberghagen said all systems on the spacecraft had now been activated following the launch from Russia last month.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
TOPICS: Astronomy; Science
KEYWORDS: framedragging; gravityprobeb; science; stringtheory
To: NormsRevenge; SunkenCiv
To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
What does it do when it passes over Rosie O’Donnell?
3
posted on
04/06/2009 5:06:03 PM PDT
by
justlurking
(The only remedy for a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.)
To: justlurking
Might not even notice it....
To: All
1. Goce senses tiny variations in the pull of gravity over Earth
2. The data is used to construct an idealised surface, or geoid
3. It traces gravity of equal 'potential'; balls won't roll on its 'slopes'
4. It is the shape the oceans would take without winds and currents
5. So, comparing sea level and geoid data reveals ocean behaviour
6. Gravity changes can betray magma movements under volcanoes
7. A precise geoid underpins a universal height system for the world
8. Gravity data can also reveal how much mass is lost by ice sheets
To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
As every part of the Earth is pulling on any given object at the same time, its hard to understand how changes in gravity can be measured. I know its possible, it just doesn’t seem so.
6
posted on
04/06/2009 5:24:06 PM PDT
by
SampleMan
(Socialism and Liberty are mutually exclusive.)
To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
“I feel the earth ... move ... under my feet ...”
7
posted on
04/06/2009 5:41:03 PM PDT
by
LiberConservative
(0bama is to the presidency what Kenny G is to jazz.)
To: Ernest_at_the_Beach
8
posted on
04/06/2009 5:41:35 PM PDT
by
JoeProBono
(A closed mouth gathers no feet)
To: JoeProBono
The fifth picture would be titled “DEAD WEIGHT”.
9
posted on
04/06/2009 6:34:56 PM PDT
by
UCANSEE2
(The Last Boy Scout)
To: Ernest_at_the_Beach; AdmSmith; bvw; callisto; ckilmer; dandelion; ganeshpuri89; gobucks; ...
10
posted on
04/06/2009 8:17:16 PM PDT
by
SunkenCiv
(https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/____________________ Profile updated Monday, January 12, 2009)
To: The Spirit Of Allegiance
Europe's innovative Goce satellite
My sister bought what she that was a Goce, turned out to be a knockoff.
11
posted on
04/06/2009 8:18:32 PM PDT
by
SunkenCiv
(https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/____________________ Profile updated Monday, January 12, 2009)
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