The present volume aims to be a comprehensive survey on the derivation of the equations of motion, both in General Relativity as well as in alternative gravity theories. The topics covered range from the description of test bodies, to self-gravitating (heavy) bodies, to current and future observations.
Emphasis is put on the coverage of various approximation methods (e.g., multipolar, post-Newtonian, self-force methods) which are extensively used in the context of the relativistic problem of motion. Applications discussed in this volume range from the motion of binary systems -- and the gravitational waves emitted by such systems -- to observations of the galactic center. In particular the impact of choices at a fundamental theoretical level on the interpretation of experiments is highlighted.
This book provides a broad and up-do-date status report, which will not only be of value for the experts working in this field, but also may serve as a guideline for students with background in General Relativity who like to enter this field.
Due to steadily improving experimental accuracy, relativistic concepts - based on Einstein's theory of Special and General Relativity - are playing an increasingly important role in modern geodesy. This book offers an introduction to the emerging field of relativistic geodesy, and covers topics ranging from the description of clocks and test bodies, to time and frequency measurements, to current and future observations.
Emphasis is placed on geodetically relevant definitions and fundamental methods in the context of Einstein's theory (e.g. the role of observers, use of clocks, definition of reference systems and the geoid, use of relativistic approximation schemes). Further, the applications discussed range from chronometric and gradiometric determinations of the gravitational field, to the latest (satellite) experiments. The impact of choices made at a fundamental theoretical level on the interpretation of measurements and the planning of future experiments is also highlighted. Providing an up-to-the-minute status report on the respective topics discussed, the book will not only benefit experts, but will also serve as a guide for students with a background in either geodesy or gravitational physics who are interested in entering and exploring this emerging field.
Das Äquivalenzprinzip ist grundlegend für die Allgemeine Relativitätstheorie und für unser heutiges Verständnis von Raum und Zeit. Außerdem sagen bisherige Ansätze für eine Theorie der Quantengravitation kleinste Verletzungen des Äquivalenzprinzips voraus, so dass dessen Tests auch immer eine Suche nach experimentellen Signaturen einer solchen Quantengravitationstheorie sind. Die Autoren legen in diesem Essential die begrifflichen Grundlagen des Äquivalenzprinzips anschaulich dar, geben einen Überblick über alle mglichen Testverfahren und beschreiben ausführlich den neuesten und besten Test, der auf einem Satelliten im Weltraum stattgefunden hat. Auch Vorschläge für noch bessere Tests werden diskutiert.
