Gravity of the Sun: Einstein's Calculation and Beyond

In summary, Einstein and his colleagues calculated the Sun's gravity to have a focus of about 550 AU. This value is currently estimated to be around 542 AU. While this calculation takes into account factors such as solar oblateness and frame dragging, it is also expected to apply to other phenomena such as neutrinos and gravitational waves. However, the Sun's transparency to these particles may affect the focal distance, potentially resulting in closer focuses. Due to limited technology, this theory has not been tested.
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Nik_2213
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IIRC, the Sun's gravity was calculated by Einstein et-al to provide a 'focus' about 550 AU out. Current value is ~542 AU.
Aside from effects due solar oblateness, frame dragging etc, may I assume this value also applies to eg neutrinos, gravitational waves etc etc ??
 
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Yes and no.

The calculation is for rays grazing the Sun, and I would expect that neutrinos and gravitational waves grazing the same surface would focus at the same distance, give or take a small bit. But gravitational lenses are terrible lenses, and the focal distance depends very much on the distance of the ray from the Sun center at perihelion. And I suspect the Sun is transparent to neutrinos for some depth below where it becomes opaque to light. And it's transparent to gravitational waves right through. So you may well be able to find focuses for them closer to the Sun.

Note that we don't have good enough neutrino or gravitational wave astronomy instruments to test anything like gravitational lensing of these things, so this is purely theoretical at this stage. We've no reason to doubt it works, but it hasn't been tested.
 
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FAQ: Gravity of the Sun: Einstein's Calculation and Beyond

What is the significance of Einstein's calculation of the Sun's gravity?

Einstein's calculation of the Sun's gravity is significant because it provided a new understanding of how gravity works within the framework of his General Theory of Relativity. Unlike Newton's law of universal gravitation, which described gravity as a force acting at a distance, Einstein proposed that gravity is the result of the curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects like the Sun. This insight not only refined our understanding of gravitational interactions but also led to predictions that have been confirmed through observations, such as the bending of light around massive objects.

How does the gravity of the Sun affect the orbits of planets?

The gravity of the Sun is the dominant force that governs the orbits of the planets in our solar system. According to Newtonian mechanics, the Sun's gravitational pull keeps the planets in elliptical orbits, with the Sun at one of the foci. Einstein's General Relativity further refines this understanding by showing that the curvature of spacetime around the Sun influences the paths of the planets, leading to effects such as precession, which is the gradual shift in the orientation of an orbiting body's elliptical path.

What experimental evidence supports Einstein's theory of gravity?

Several key experiments and observations support Einstein's theory of gravity. One of the most famous is the observation of the bending of light from distant stars during a solar eclipse, which matched Einstein's predictions. Other evidence includes the precise measurements of the orbit of Mercury, which exhibited precession that could not be fully explained by Newtonian physics. Additionally, the detection of gravitational waves and the precise movements of satellites have further validated the principles of General Relativity.

How does the gravity of the Sun influence Earth's climate and weather?

The gravity of the Sun plays a crucial role in influencing Earth's climate and weather by driving the processes of solar energy absorption and distribution. Solar gravity governs the Earth's orbit around the Sun, which affects seasonal changes in temperature and daylight. Furthermore, solar radiation, influenced by the Sun's gravitational pull, drives atmospheric circulation patterns, ocean currents, and other climate systems that determine weather patterns across the globe.

What are the implications of understanding the Sun's gravity for future space missions?

Understanding the Sun's gravity has significant implications for future space missions. Accurate calculations of the Sun's gravitational field are essential for trajectory planning and navigation of spacecraft, especially for missions that involve gravity assists or flybys. Knowledge of gravitational interactions also aids in predicting the orbits of satellites and understanding the dynamics of objects in the solar system, which is crucial for missions aimed at exploring asteroids, comets, or other celestial bodies influenced by the Sun's gravity.

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