Accuracy of SR's Time Dilation & Space Contraction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the accuracy of Special Relativity (SR) and General Relativity (GR) in measuring time dilation and space contraction. NASA has confirmed time dilation in space probes with a relative accuracy of 10^-5, which is a significant achievement in verifying SR. The conversation also raises the question of whether GR has been validated to a higher accuracy than 10^-5. Additionally, participants seek clarification on the number of significant digits associated with these measurements.

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  • Understanding of Special Relativity (SR) principles
  • Familiarity with General Relativity (GR) concepts
  • Knowledge of measurement accuracy and significant digits
  • Basic awareness of NASA's space probe experiments
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  • Explore the accuracy of General Relativity in experimental physics
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Does anyone know what is the most accurate reading of SR's time dilation or space contraction? I.e. has anyone been able to verify the accuracy of SR to 10^-15?
 
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Not to 10-15, no, (where did you get that figure- just make it up?) but NASA has measured time dilation in space probes agreeing with SR to a relative accuracy of 10-5 which is pretty darn good!
 
Yea I was just made 10^-15 up as an example. What about GR? have they found it to an accuracy of better then 10^-5?

*Edit*
I guess my real question is: How many significant digits have GR and SR been found? i.e. 123.4567 would be 7 significant digits even though it is found to 10^-4.
 
Last edited:

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