A Search for New Physics with the BEACON Mission

Details A Search for New Physics with the BEACON Mission A Search for New Physics with the BEACON Mission

2008-05-27

arxiv.org/abs/0805.4033v1

Int.J.Mod.Phys.D18:1025-1038,2009

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

8 pages, 2 figures, 2 tables

Scientific paper

10.1142/S0218271809014893

The primary objective of the Beyond Einstein Advanced Coherent Optical Network (BEACON) mission is a search for new physics beyond general relativity by measuring the curvature of relativistic space-time around Earth. This curvature is characterized by the Eddington parameter \gamma -- the most fundamental relativistic gravity parameter and a direct measure for the presence of new physical interactions. BEACON will achieve an accuracy of 1 x 10^{-9} in measuring the parameter \gamma, thereby going a factor of 30,000 beyond the present best result involving the Cassini spacecraft. Secondary mission objectives include: (i) a direct measurement of the "frame-dragging" and geodetic precessions in the Earth's rotational gravitomagnetic field, to 0.05% and 0.03% accuracy correspondingly, (ii) first measurement of gravity's non-linear effects on light and corresponding 2nd order spatial metric's effects to 0.01% accuracy. BEACON will lead to robust advances in tests of fundamental physics -- this mission could discover a violation or extension of general relativity and/or reveal the presence of an additional long range interaction in physics. BEACON will provide crucial information to separate modern scalar-tensor theories of gravity from general relativity, probe possible ways for gravity quantization, and test modern theories of cosmological evolution.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A Search for New Physics with the BEACON Mission does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A Search for New Physics with the BEACON Mission, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Search for New Physics with the BEACON Mission will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-272619