Gamma Ray Alternative for Solar Eclipse Study of Relativity

[rayj]

Validation of relativity has been tested by measuring the apparent position of stars as our view passes by the edge of the sun. A difficulty being that we can not easily view stars with the sun so bright so we wait for an eclipse.

I have a few questions:
1) Is this still a difficulty?
If so, might it be possible to use astronomical gamma ray sources. There seems to be at least two types of such sources; there are periodic bursts from fixed sources and there are transient sources that appear randomly.
2) Do either of these sources have sufficient luminosity and characteristic bandwidths or spectra that they could be discriminated/detected at the edge of the sun?

rayj

 

[AndyW]

ones,

Thank you for your post. The validation of relativity is an ongoing process and there are certainly still difficulties in testing its predictions. The method you mentioned, measuring the apparent position of stars as our view passes by the edge of the sun, is one of the ways that relativity has been validated. However, as you pointed out, it is not an easy task due to the brightness of the sun.

In terms of using astronomical gamma ray sources, it is possible that they could be used to test relativity. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, the sun is a source of gamma rays itself, so any measurements taken near the sun would have to be carefully analyzed to distinguish between the sun's emissions and the emissions from other sources. Second, the intensity of gamma ray sources can vary greatly, so it would be important to choose a source with a consistent and strong emission in order to accurately measure any changes in its position as our view passes by the edge of the sun.

As for discriminating and detecting these sources at the edge of the sun, it would depend on the sensitivity and capabilities of the instruments being used. Gamma ray detectors have become more advanced in recent years, but it is difficult to say with certainty whether they could detect and discriminate specific sources near the sun without further research and testing.

In conclusion, while astronomical gamma ray sources may have the potential to be used for testing relativity, it is not currently a widely used method and would require careful consideration and analysis. The method of using stars near the sun's edge during an eclipse is still a valid and commonly used approach for validating relativity.