in reply to Re^10: Converting GPS seconds to readable time&date (relativity)
in thread Converting GPS seconds to readable time&date

"That's a little more complicated: due to both SR and GR, the net result is time passes faster for the satellite.".

That talks of the passage of time, not speed, or is the same thing in relativity?

  • Comment on Re^11: Converting GPS seconds to readable time&date (relativity)

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Re^12: Converting GPS seconds to readable time&date (relativity)
by zentara (Cardinal) on Jan 12, 2009 at 16:50 UTC
    I'm still scratching my head...:-) Things were so clear, and the world was so orderly this morning, until tye threw in that monkeywrench. Now I'm a puddle of random thoughts.
    I'm not really a human, but I play one on earth Remember How Lucky You Are
[reply]

      Maybe this will help. Or not.

      I'm not sure it really clarifies things much as it uses the usual example of something (a space craft) that moves directly away and directly back to earth. Whereas, with the satelittes, once in orbit, their relative speed is 0, although their angular velocities are wildly differing.

      So maybe the relativistic affects only apply a) as the satallite achieves orbit; b) as its signals return to earth.

      Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
      "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
      In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.
[reply]
        Well its way beyond me, but this experiment seems to explain it to me clock times going East vs. West So I'm guessing the GPS satellites are travelling either E or W, to remain at a constant point above the ground point, and as the plane experiment shows, the clocks will be different. Beyond that, I'm not going to think about it anymore, it's blowing my mind. :-)
        I'm not really a human, but I play one on earth Remember How Lucky You Are
[reply]

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