Hi John,

I and the boys have had a few discussion about the concept of relativity, so when Gravity Probe B was launched, I decided to post the weekly mission updates, so we could follow the progress of the experiment. The weekly updates also provide a lot of information about the technology that was developed around this mission, which required some extremely precise equipment, so its been a kind of learning experience.

Gravity Probe B is testing the concept of "frame dragging". As earth travels through space at 70,000 miles per hour, its mass disturbs space which create gravity. Also, as the earth travels through space at 70,000 miles per hour, the earth spins on its axis, so like a ball spinning in water, the water would be disturbed and would be dragged in the direction of the ball's spin. Gravity Probe B is looking for evidence that earths spinning on its axis is dragging space in a circle motion in the direction of earths rotation.

This really doesn't have much to do with Einsteins greater theory of relativity, but if this dragging of space in the direction of earth spin (e.g. "frame dragging") can be proved, then it would give greater validity to Einsteins concept of space and time and should provide more exact interpretation of other experiments regarding our universe.

I don't have any personal involvement with the Gravity Probe B, other than receiving the weekly updates, which I post, and the excitement about the possible outcome of the experiment.

Regards,

LelandJ