Probing Fundamental Gravity via Lunar Laser Ranging

通过月球激光测距探测基本重力

• 批准号: 0245061
• 负责人: Thomas Murphy
• 金额: $ 52.5万
• 依托单位: University of California-San Diego
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2004
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2004-12-15 至 2008-11-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0245061&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Probing; Fundamental; Gravity; via; Lunar

APOLLO (Apache Point Observatory Lunar Laser-ranging Operation) is a next-generation laser-ranging apparatus capable of obtaining lunar ranges with millimeter accuracy. Relying on the still-operational retroreflector arrays placed on the lunar surface by Apollo astronauts, APOLLOconstitutes the ground-link of a dynamically clean orbital laboratory. APOLLO will bring new life to lunar ranging by applying advanced laser and detector technology on a large telescope, by incorporating precision gravimetry, millimeter-accuracy GPS positioning, and a meteorologicalarray on the site, and by forming a tight interface between the observation and data analysis efforts.The order-of-magnitude improvement in range precision expected from APOLLO will advance by a similar factor the scientific power of lunar ranging to determine a number of qualitative aspects of the fundamental properties of gravity. Among the tests that lunar ranging currently leads are tests of the equivalence principle, time variation of the gravitational constant, geodetic precession, gravitomagnetic effects, and the possible presence of long-range forces. Through its comprehensive investigation of the nature of gravity, lunar ranging addresses the question: is general relativity correct? The technique, ambitious goals, and connection to our remarkable history of space exploration make APOLLO especially appealing to the public, presenting excellent outreach potential. The APOLLO team is committed to sharing the excitement of this project with its immediate community and beyond.

阿波罗（阿帕奇点天文台月球激光测距操作）是下一代激光测距设备，能够以毫米精度获得月球范围。依靠阿波罗宇航员放置在月球表面的仍在运行的后向反射器阵列，阿波罗探测器构成了一个动态清洁轨道实验室的地面连接。通过在大型望远镜上应用先进的激光和探测器技术，结合精确的重力测量、毫米精度的GPS定位和现场的气象阵列，以及在观测和数据分析工作之间形成紧密的接口，阿波罗将为月球测距带来新的生机。预期阿波罗在测距精度上的数量级改进，将以类似的因素提高月球测距的科学能力，以确定重力基本特性的若干定性方面。月球测距目前领先的测试包括等效原理、引力常数的时间变化、大地进动、重力磁效应以及可能存在的远程力的测试。通过对引力本质的全面研究，月球测距解决了一个问题：广义相对论正确吗？这项技术、雄心勃勃的目标以及与我们非凡的太空探索历史的联系，使阿波罗计划特别吸引公众，呈现出极好的推广潜力。APOLLO团队致力于与其直接社区和其他社区分享这个项目的兴奋。