Can we measure the reciprocal effect of gravity on photon trajectory?

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In summary: Originally posted by PRodQuanta In summary, gravitational bending of photons can be verified by experiments pertaining to the deflection of light. It has been hypothesized that there may be a reciprocal effect, in which gravity could be created or related to the curved trajectory of photons. The gravitational attraction between small masses and over short distances has now been measured with precision. It is hoped that observations of GRBs (or possibly GLAST observations) will be able to test quantum gravity. It is unknown when such a test may be successful.
  • #1
PRodQuanta
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Ok, here goes nothing...
Gravity bends photon trajectory, correct? This can be varrified by experiments pertaining to gravatational bending. I THINK also termed 'Einstein's Cross'.
Now, is there a possibility that there is a reciprocal effect? That gravity could be created, or related to the curved trajectory of a photon?

Paden Roder
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by PRodQuanta
Gravity bends photon trajectory, correct? This can be verified by experiments pertaining to gravitational bending. I THINK also termed 'Einstein's Cross'.
A.k.a. gravitational deflection (of light). Lots and lots of observations and verified to a high degree of accuracy. First test was by Eddington, in 1919, during a solar eclipse. More here:
http://www.Newtonphysics.on.ca/ECLIPSE/Eclipse.html

Einstein Cross refers to a quasar which is on the line of sight through a much closer galaxy. E.g.:
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap961215.html

The closer galaxy acts as a special lens, magnifying and distorting the image of the background quasar. Several such examples have now been found. The image properties allow further tests of GR, and also many interesting and important estimates, of things like dark matter.

The more general case is called 'gravitational lensing'.
 
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  • #3
And yes, photons carry energy. Energy curves space exactly as well as does mass. Of course, you'd have to have quite a bit of light energy around to make a gravitation field detectable in a laboratory...

- Warren
 
  • #4
Originally posted by chroot
And yes, photons carry energy. Energy curves space exactly as well as does mass. Of course, you'd have to have quite a bit of light energy around to make a gravitation field detectable in a laboratory...
IIRC, the gravitational attraction between quite small masses (<1 gram) and over short distances (<1 mm) has now been measured.

Photons with energies > 10 TeV have been detected, albeit indirectly.

When (200n, 20nm?, 2nmp??) do you expect a successful observation of the gravitational field produced by a photon will be made?
 
  • #5
Well, the technology that would be needed to generate those photons and the technology to measure their gravitation are both many orders of magnitude more sophisticated that current cutting edge technology.

Without specifically knowing the rate of advancement of these fields, I'd venture it'll be at least 100 years away.

- Warren
 
  • #6
Originally posted by Nereid
IIRC, the gravitational attraction between quite small masses (<1 gram) and over short distances (<1 mm) has now been measured.

Can you quote a reference? I was unaware that measurements of gravitational fields had reached this precision.

Claude.
 
  • #8
Amazing...
 
  • #9
Originally posted by PRodQuanta
Ok, here goes nothing...
Gravity bends photon trajectory, correct? This can be verified by experiments pertaining to gravitational bending. I THINK also termed 'Einstein's Cross'.
Now, is there a possibility that there is a reciprocal effect? That gravity could be created, or related to the curved trajectory of a photon?
Yes.

I asked: When [to] expect a successful observation of the gravitational field produced by a photon will be made?
chroot answered:
Well, the technology that would be needed to generate those photons and the technology to measure their gravitation are both many orders of magnitude more sophisticated that current cutting edge technology.

Without specifically knowing the rate of advancement of these fields, I'd venture it'll be at least 100 years away.
At least two astronomers think it will be possible before 2010, by observing the frequency-dependent propagation of high-energy photons from GRBs (strictly speaking, they feel that GLAST observations may be able to test quantum gravity, but the data may also show the effect PRodQuanta asks about, and perhaps even the VSL of paultrr!). The link:
http://glast.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/grbst/pubs/GLAST_GRBs_QG.pdf

A big thanks to Jeebus for his pointer to this
 
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  • #10


Originally posted by Nereid

At least two astronomers think it will be possible before 2010, by observing the frequency-dependent propagation of high-energy photons from GRBs
You know, the sad part is that I did not consider astrophysical systems -- I was thinking about measuring the effect in a laboratory!

Nereid, the proposal does sound promising!

- Warren
 

FAQ: Can we measure the reciprocal effect of gravity on photon trajectory?

What is the relationship between photons and gravity?

Photons and gravity are both fundamental forces in the universe, but they are not directly related to each other. Photons are particles of light with no mass, while gravity is a force caused by the curvature of space-time due to the presence of mass or energy. This means that photons are not affected by gravity, but they can be bent or redirected by massive objects.

How does gravity affect the behavior of photons?

Gravity can affect the behavior of photons in a few ways. First, massive objects can bend the path of photons, causing them to follow a curved trajectory. This is known as gravitational lensing and has been observed in the images of distant galaxies. Additionally, strong gravitational fields can cause photons to lose energy, which can lead to a phenomenon called gravitational redshift.

Can photons be used to create or manipulate gravity?

No, photons cannot be used to create or manipulate gravity. Since photons have no mass, they do not have a gravitational pull on other objects. Additionally, photons are constantly moving at the speed of light, which means they cannot be used to create a stationary gravitational field.

Is there a connection between photons, gravity, and the speed of light?

Photons, gravity, and the speed of light are all related in that they are fundamental aspects of the universe. However, they do not directly affect each other. Photons travel at the speed of light and are not affected by gravity, while gravity is a force that affects the curvature of space-time.

How does the theory of general relativity explain the behavior of photons in a gravitational field?

The theory of general relativity explains the behavior of photons in a gravitational field by describing gravity as the curvature of space-time. In this theory, massive objects cause a bending in the fabric of space-time, which affects the trajectory of photons passing by. This is why photons appear to be affected by gravity, even though they have no mass.

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