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Assuming that everything works correctly, is there any question about what the results will be? Would any surprise whatsoever be fundamentally significant - even "Earth'shaking"?
Gravity Probe B was a satellite-based experiment launched by NASA in 2004 with the purpose of testing two key predictions of Einstein's theory of general relativity: the geodetic effect and frame-dragging. It aimed to provide evidence for the curved space-time predicted by Einstein's theory and revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
Gravity Probe B used four gyroscopes, which are spinning spheres made of fused quartz, to measure tiny changes in the direction of spin caused by the Earth's gravitational pull. These changes, known as the geodetic effect and frame-dragging, were predicted by Einstein's theory and could only be detected in space due to the sensitivity of the experiment.
Yes, the outcome of Gravity Probe B was a foregone conclusion in the sense that the experiment was designed to confirm Einstein's predictions. However, the precision and accuracy of the results were not guaranteed and the experiment faced many challenges during its 17-year development and 16-month mission.
The results of Gravity Probe B confirmed both predictions of general relativity with a high degree of accuracy. The geodetic effect was measured with an error of just 0.28% and frame-dragging with an error of 0.20%. This provided strong evidence for the existence of curved space-time and the validity of Einstein's theory.
The results of Gravity Probe B revolutionized our understanding of the universe by providing evidence for the validity of Einstein's theory of general relativity. It also opened up new avenues for research and exploration in the fields of cosmology and astrophysics, allowing us to better understand the fundamental laws that govern our universe.