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Time-varying Newtonian gravity and universal motion

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Abstract

A TIME-dependent gravitational constant G(t) was proposed by Dirac1 in 1937, and there is some limited evidence for it2–4. It can be incorporated in relativistic theories of gravitation (see refs 5–7), but the resulting equations are liable to be cumbersome, and it is uncertain which theory should be used. Attempts to consider this problem in a Newtonian framework3,4,8–10 have been based on the amended Newtonian force law We show here that the assumption of energy conservation (as discussed below) leads to a more substantial change in the force law.

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Author notes

  1. N. T. BISHOP

    Present address: Department of Applied Mathematics, The University of the Witwatersrand, Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg, South Africa

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, The University, Southampton, SO9 5NH, UK

    P. T. LANDSBERG

Authors
  1. N. T. BISHOP
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  2. P. T. LANDSBERG
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BISHOP, N., LANDSBERG, P. Time-varying Newtonian gravity and universal motion. Nature 264, 346–347 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/264346a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/264346a0

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