SOLAR-SYSTEM TESTS IN TRANSITION

Robert D. Reasenberg

Radio and Geoastronomy Division

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA

ABSTRACT

The solar system is the traditional laboratory for gravity research.

In this laboratory, experiments of heretofore undreamed of accuracy are
made possible by modern techno1ogies. Among these are atomic c1ocks,
planetary radar, interplanetary spacecraft, and laser ranging. The results
of these experiments are consistent with the predictions of general
relativity. The differences between the predictions of general relativity
and of classical physics are confirmed to accuracies as great as ane part
in a thousand. However, the solar system tests examine these differences
only to first order in post-Newtonian effects.

One of the classical tests of general relativity is based on the

deflection of light by the Sun. At the solar limb, this deflection is 1.75
arcseconds. The second-order contribution to this deflection is 11
microarcseconds (/Las) at the solar 1imb; i t is proportional to d- 2 , whe,re d
is the impact parameter of the light ray. To measure this second-order
effect, we are developing an astrometrie optical interferometer, POINTS,
which could operate from the bay of the Space Shuttle, mounted on the
proposed Space Station, or supported by an independent spacecraft. POINTS
would measure the separation of stars about 900 apart with an uncertainty
of a few /Las. It could be used for many types of astrophysical research in
addition to the measurement of the deflection of starlight. Among these
uses are the direct determination of the Cepheid distance scale and a deep
search for extra-solar planetary systems.

I. INTRODUCTION

General relativity, the standard theory cf gravitation; 15 now weIl

supported by several experimental tests that make use of modern technology.
As a result, the role of the experimentalist must shift. Initially, the
task was to test the superiority of the new theory over the Newtonian
approach. Now the task should be to find the limits of applicability of
the standard theory. As competitive theories are developed, there is also
the need to compare their predictions to experiment. In the past, these
competing theories created the need for a framework within which the tests

P. G. Bergmann et al. (eds.), Topological Properties and Global Structure of Space-Time 177
© Springer Science+Business Media New York 1986
and theories could be compared. Known as the Parameterized Post-Newtonian
(PPN) framework (see Will [1981] and references therein), its ~ ~
parameters have developed a life of their own. Some of these will be
mentioned in later sections.

In Sections 11 through IV we consider some of the technologies that

make possible the present and pending solar-system tests. The status of
several tests, both past and prospective, is the subject of Sections V
through X. The results of all credible tests are consistent with general
relativity and the post-Newtonian corrections have been tested to 10- 3 • In
Section XI we ask the question: What direction should be taken for future
tests? It is suggested that small improvements in existing tests are of
limited value and that major efforts in the future should address
previously unaccessed aspects of the theory. Adefleetion experiment
sufficiently sensitive to measure the post-post-Newtonian terms is proposed
as meeting that criterion and is the subject of Sections XII and XIII. The
experiment would be conducted with a space-born dual astrometrie optical
interferometer, POINTS. A discussion is presented of the present concepts
for the instrument and its mission.

11. CLOCKS

There are now several types of clocks that derive their stability from
an atomic resonance. Species used include cesium 133 (~9193 MHz), rubidium
87 (~6835 MHz), and hydrogen (~1420 MHz). The cesium resonance forms the
basis for the current definition of the second of atomic time. For further
discussion, see Audoin and Vanier [1976], and Vessot [1976]. Other clocks
are being or have been developed that obtain their stability from a
microwave cavity at cryogenic temperatures; Turneaure and Stein have
developed a superconducting cavity stabilized oscillator and Braginsky is
developing an oscillator that uses a crystaline A1 2 0 3 cavity.

For relativity experiments, hydrogen masers have long been preferred

because of their greater stability over time scales of hundreds to tens of
thousands of seconds. Substantial further improvements in these clocks
seem feasible, especially with operation at low temperatures, if suitable
wall materials can be developed [Vessot, et al., 1984]. Present plans call
for operation at 0.4 K [Vessot, private communication, 1984].

111. DELAY OBSERVABLE

The delay observable is the prime source of information for most of

the solar-system tests. Planetary radar, the first of the modern
observables, was the basis for the initial time delay tests and is still
critical for the study of perihelion advance. Spacecraft tracking, which
has superseded radar for Mars (for which both are available), is the basis
for the most stringent of the solar-system tests, the Viking time delay
test. Lunar laser ranging provides the best available measure of the
Moon's motion and the parameters on which it depends. It is the basis for
the test of Nordtvedt's hypothesized violation of the principle of
equivalence. These observables are discussed below.

Planetary Radar

The first of the modern technologies applied to the study of solar-

system dynamics was radar. In 1946, radar technologies developed for
military use were successfully applied to provide the first detected lunar
reflection. By 1967, planetary radar observations were of sufficiently

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