Tests of Special and General Relativity in the Solar System and Beyond

SPEAKER: Dr. Quentin Bailey, Associate Professor of Physics, ERAU
COMMENTS: Physicists and astronomers have been increasing the precision of their measurements and observations for tests of fundamental physics in the solar system and beyond. In particular, a growing group of researchers are interested in searches for hypothetical tiny deviations from the laws of Special and General Relativity which may give a glimpse of a much sought after fundamental theory of physics. Dr. Bailey reviewed this area of research and discussed modern precision tests such as lunar laser ranging, solar-system ephemeris, pulsar observations and, more recently, what we can learn from the first gravitational wave observations.