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Experimental test of the variability ofG using Viking lander ranging data

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Abstract

Results are presented from the analysis of solar system astrometric data, notably the range data to the Viking landers on Mars. A least-squares fit of the parameters of the solar system model to these data limits a simple time variation in the effective Newtonian gravitational constant to (0.2 ± 0.4) × 10−11 year−1 and a rate of drift of atomic clocks relative to the implicit clock of relativistic dynamics to (0.1 ± 0.8) × 10−11 year−1. The error limits quoted are the result of uncertainties in the masses of the asteroids.

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This paper is reprinted with minor editorial modifications fromPhysical Review Letters,51, 1609 (1983).

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Hellings, R.W., Adams, P.J., Anderson, J.D. et al. Experimental test of the variability ofG using Viking lander ranging data. Int J Theor Phys 28, 1035–1041 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00670346

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00670346

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