Frame of reference question about equivalence principle

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the equivalence principle and its implications for understanding gravity on a cosmic scale. Participants explore whether the total gravitational pull of the universe can be calculated and if it possesses a directional component. Key references include the Great Attractor and the concept of dark flow, which suggests a clustering of galaxies that may indicate a definable gravitational influence. The upcoming release of data from the Planck survey is anticipated to provide critical insights into these gravitational phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the equivalence principle in physics
  • Familiarity with cosmic structures such as the Great Attractor
  • Knowledge of dark flow and its implications in cosmology
  • Awareness of the Planck survey and its significance in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the equivalence principle on gravitational theories
  • Study the Great Attractor and its role in cosmic gravitational dynamics
  • Examine the concept of dark flow and its evidence in galaxy clustering
  • Follow updates from the Planck survey and analyze its findings on cosmic microwave background radiation
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and anyone interested in advanced concepts of gravity and cosmology will benefit from this discussion.

brenan
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I've been giving some thought to the new scientist article about the equivalence principle.
What initially seems like a very simple issue is remarkably tantalising. (please note- I'm not a physicist so this may be quite stupid) This led me on a little to

the question of gravity and direction and my train of thought
leads to the question : Has anyone calculated or done any work relating the the total
pull of gravity of the universe entirely ? Especially from the point of view - Does it have a direction? Could such a thing be calculated.

This sounds like the "is the expansion uniform" question but I think maybe its somewhat different.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, maybe not the entire universe, but on a very large scale see the Great Attractor. Also the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_flowhttp://.
 
Fascinating links Bill - thank you. I had no idea this concept existed.

Reading through them it seems my suspicions about something may not be
quite so daft but apparently we need the data from the plank survey which is due for release this year to shed light on the dark flow idea. Certainly the graphic images we have seem to suggest (if I am interpreting the shapes correctly) a definable line of galaxies clustering in a pattern of some sort.

If that should tend to confirm the dark flow it opens up some very interesting possibilities for gravity and inertia concepts. At least I think so.
 

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