Kepler & Einstein: Agree or Disagree?

In summary, the conversation discusses an ideal Schwarzschild black hole and a satellite in a circular orbit around it. The observer at infinity measures the orbital period to be in accordance with Kepler's equation, while a local observer at the same distance measures a shorter period due to gravitational time dilation. The participants agree with this outcome.
  • #1
yuiop
3,962
20
Imagine we have an ideal Schwarzschild black hole. A small satellite of insignificant mass (so that the Shwarzchild geometry remains ideal) is orbiting at coordinate radius R just outside the photon orbit in a perfect circular orbit. For the purpose of this experiment ignore the orbital decay due to loss of energy by gravitational waves and "the observer at infinity" is taken to mean that the observer is at sufficient distance from the black hole that gravitational time dilation on his local clock is insignificant.

The observer at infinity (in the plane of the satellite orbit) starts his clock when he sees the satellite cross the line of sight between him and the black hole and stops his clock the next time the satellite crosses the same line of sight. He would find the period to be in exact agreement with the prediction of Kepler's original equation for the period of a circular orbit,

[tex] T_{(Kepler)} = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{R^3}{GM}} = \frac{2\pi R}{c}\sqrt{\frac{2R}{R_s}}[/tex]

while a non-orbiting non-inertial local observer at R would measure the orbital period to be less than the Kepler prediction by a factor equal to the gravitational time dilation factor.

[tex] T_{R} = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{R^3}{GM}\left(1-\frac{2GM}{c^2R}\right)} =\frac{2\pi R}{c} \sqrt{\frac{2R}{R_s}\left(1-\frac{R_s}{R}\right)}[/tex]

Agree or disagree?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
yuiop said:
Agree or disagree?

Agree.
 

1. What were the main contributions of Kepler and Einstein to the field of science?

Johannes Kepler is credited with discovering the three laws of planetary motion, which laid the foundation for modern astronomy. Albert Einstein's theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity.

2. Did Kepler and Einstein agree or disagree on their theories?

Kepler and Einstein had different areas of focus in their research, so it's difficult to say that they agreed or disagreed on their theories. However, they both made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe.

3. What were the key differences between Kepler's and Einstein's theories?

Kepler's laws of planetary motion describe the orbits of planets around the sun, while Einstein's theory of relativity explains the relationship between matter, energy, space, and time.

4. How did Kepler and Einstein's theories impact modern science?

Kepler's laws and Einstein's theory of relativity have had a huge impact on modern science, shaping our understanding of the universe and leading to advancements in fields such as astrophysics and cosmology.

5. What is the significance of Kepler and Einstein's work in the history of science?

Kepler and Einstein are considered two of the greatest scientists in history, and their work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the natural world. They are also credited with paving the way for future scientific discoveries and advancements.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
43
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
182
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
36
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
944
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
494
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
2K
Back
Top