Gravity Goes Weird: What Science Says

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around anomalies observed in the trajectories of the Pioneer probes, suggesting potential deviations from established gravitational theories. Participants explore the implications of these anomalies, their significance, and the existing explanations within the context of current scientific understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight that the Pioneer probes exhibit unexplained trajectory anomalies that may indicate a different behavior of gravity than currently understood.
  • Others argue that current gravitational theories are well-supported by extensive experimental evidence, suggesting that the anomalies could be explained without revising existing theories.
  • There is mention of ongoing debates regarding the validity of the data pointing to these anomalies, with some asserting that the evidence is flimsy and lacks corroboration from other spacecraft.
  • Participants express differing views on the relevance of the discussion, with some feeling that it has been previously addressed extensively, while others believe it remains a topic worth exploring.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the significance of the Pioneer probe anomalies and their implications for gravitational theory.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the discussion may be limited by the availability of new data and verification of the anomalies, which could influence the ongoing debate.

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mee said:
I can't believe no one thinks this is worth commenting on! :) Basically it is saying there are strange things affecting the pioneer probes that are unexplained and may show that gravity acts differently than is explained by current theory.

Ok, I'll comment. Current theories of gravitation have mountains of experimental evidence showing they are correct. It's hard to get excited over trajectory anomalies of a couple of satellites. There are many, many explanations for these anomalies that are consistent with current theories. As Occam said "Invent no unecessary hypotheses."
 
mee said:
I can't believe no one thinks this is worth commenting on! :) Basically it is saying there are strange things affecting the pioneer probes that are unexplained and may show that gravity acts differently than is explained by current theory.

Keep in mind that some of these things you find "interesting" may be old news to a lot of people and have been commented on ad nauseum.

This effect is still being hotly debated on, i.e. there are many who still think the data pointing to such anomolies are flimsy. There have been several attempts to try and find the same effects on other outlying spacecraft with no success. It doesn't mean, however, that no one is seriously looking into such things. See, for example:

http://physicsweb.org/articles/world/17/9/3

However, without any other new developments as far as more data and more verification, what is there to discuss other than personal opinions? And many here are already aware of how much I "adore" a discussion of physics based on personal tastes...

Zz.
 
I'm suprised this is old news as I only read a new article a few days ago on it. Sorry to bore you zapper. ;)
 
mee said:
I'm suprised this is old news as I only read a new article a few days ago on it. Sorry to bore you zapper. ;)

I'm not saying it is boring. I was responding to your statement of "I can't believe no one thinks this is worth commenting on!" The effect IS worth commenting on. It is just that it HAS been commented on. Just because you received no response should not be taken as a no interest.

Zz.
 

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