Relativistic Effects on Clocks Aboard GPS Satellites

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Abstract:

Consider a clock aboard a satellite orbiting the Earth, such as a Global Positioning System GPS transmitter. There are two major relativistic influences upon its rate of timekeeping a special relativistic correction for its orbital speed and a general relativistic correction for its orbital altitude. Both of these effects can be treated at an introductory level, making for an appealing application of relativity to everyday life.

Author(s):
Mungan, Carl E.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL ACADEMY ANNAPOLIS MD DEPT OF PHYSICS
Descriptive Note:
Journal article
Supplementary Note:
Published in The Physics Teacher, v44 p424-425, October 2006.
Pagination:
0003

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
USNA
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*CLOCKS, *GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM, *NAVIGATION SATELLITES, ALTITUDE, EARTH ORBITS, REPRINTS, TRANSMITTERS, VELOCITY
Field(s)/Group(s):
Navigation and Guidance
Report Date:
2006 Oct 01
Creation Date:
2011 Nov 30