Skip to main content
Log in

Significance of a conclusive test of Dirac's Large Numbers hypothesis using precision ranging to Mars

  • Letter to the Editor
  • Published:
Astrophysics and Space Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

It is now possible to test Dirac's Large Numbers hypothesis in the Earth-Mars system using microwave ranging techniques such as those associated with the Viking lander. The consequences of such a test are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

References

  • Brans, C. and Dicke, R. H.: 1961,Phys. Rev. 124, 925.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dirac, P. A. M.: 1937,Nature 139, 323; (alsoAustralian Lectures 1975, to be published by Wiley Interscience).

    Google Scholar 

  • Dirac, P. A. M.: 1938,Proc. Roy. Soc. (London) A 165, 199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoyle, F.: 1955,Frontiers of Astronomy, Heinemann Ltd., London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, J. L.: 1963,Nature 197, 441 and198, 772.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, J. L.: 1976, Proceedings of the Conference on the Scientific Applications of Lunar Laser Ranging, Unviersity of Texas at Austin, 8–10 June.

  • Jordan, P.: 1959,Z. Physik 157, 112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melbourne, W. G.: 1976,Sci. Am. 234, 58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Michael, W. H., Tolson, R. H., Mayo, A. P., Blackshear, W. T., Kelley, G. M., Cain, D. L., Brankle, J. P., Shapiro, I. I., and Reasenberg, R. D.: 1976,Science 193, 803.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hughes, J.L. Significance of a conclusive test of Dirac's Large Numbers hypothesis using precision ranging to Mars. Astrophys Space Sci 46, L15–L18 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00644396

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00644396

Keywords

Navigation