Kenneth Nordtvedt 2003 Class. Quantum Grav. 20 L147 doi:10.1088/0264-9381/20/11/101
dG/dt measurement and the timing of lunar laser ranging observations
FREE ARTICLEKenneth Nordtvedt
Show affiliationsLETTER TO THE EDITOR
Two fundamental tests of general relativity are achieved using over three decades of lunar laser ranging (LLR) data—confirming the equality of the Sun's acceleration rate of the Earth and Moon to about a part in 1013 precision, and finding no time variation in the strength of Newton's G to precision of a part in 1012 per year. LLR is an ongoing mission, and these tests of physical theory should remain at the frontier of precision for time to come. The contribution of each individual LLR measurement to the precision of 
determination varies strongly through the lunar motion's monthly cycle and from month to month. A worth function which quantifies this variation is derived and illustrated: it can be employed by observers who have scheduling discretions in order to more rapidly improve the estimation precision for the scientific parameter .
- PACS
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95.30.Sf Relativity and gravitation
95.75.-z Observation and data reduction techniques; computer modeling and simulation
- MSC
- Subjects
- Dates
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Issue 11 (7 June 2003)
Received 14 January 2003
Published 2 May 2003
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dG/dt measurement and the timing of lunar laser ranging observations
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