Abstract
We review the experimental evidence for Einstein’s general relativity. A variety of high precision null experiments confirm the Einstein Equivalence Principle, which underlies the concept that gravitation is synonymous with spacetime geometry, and must be described by a metric theory. Solar system experiments that test the weak-field, post-Newtonian limit of metric theories strongly favor general relativity. Binary pulsars test gravitational-wave damping and aspects of strong-field general relativity. During the coming decades, tests of general relativity in new regimes may be possible. Laser interferometric gravitational-wave observatories on Earth and in space may provide new tests via precise measurements of the properties of gravitational waves. Future efforts using X-ray, infrared, gamma-ray and gravitational-wave astronomy may one day test general relativity in the strong-field regime near black holes and neutron stars.
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Will, C.M. The Confrontation Between General Relativity and Experiment. Space Sci Rev 148, 3–13 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-009-9541-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-009-9541-6