Gravity and Space


Space has always been important to people. Measuring the distance from one place to another by mapmakers




Newton came up with a set of equations that described gravity as a force. This was explained by imagining that a large object such as a planet emanated this force by sheer mass and spin, and then pull smaller objects, such as moons towards it. He also described how an object, that is propelled forward in "empty" space it will keep going till it meets a similar or greater force.


Einstein extended this theory by interpreting the force of gravity as an actual distortion within the structure of space. In effect this means that an objects mass curves the space around it, so that any nearby objects are deflected off course by the distorted space. This process of bending space also bends light as it passes through space.


Bending space
Visual reserpation of sapce using remien. euclid and einstein.

Space is known to "curve" in the presence of matter. Black holes are thought to be the engines at the heart of galaxies which curve space so much that local solar systems feel the pulled in along the path of  warped space-time creating a system orbit.

Space Time

A system of axes that form a frame of reference. The three dimensions of space and the dimension of time can be taken to form a four dimensional continuum: this was suggested by Minkowski in connection with special relativity. Source Oxford Mini Dictionary of Physics.

Dimensions of space

When viewed from a certain angle at a certain moment in time a random process (chaotic behaviour) can be seen to self organise into highly accurate structures.Interesting patterns may form in various regions of the space-time continuum where two or more black holes are in "conflict" with one another.


Space-Time continuum
Various regions of the space-time continuum

 

What is Space ?

That stuff between these words and your eyes, the medium between our Earth and Moon. How is it possible to grasp on something that "cant be seen, felt or measured" This strange medium when combined with Time holds our Solar System in "place", drawn to the centre of the Milky Way (our Galaxy) in much the same way as our "home" is drawn to the Sun.


Acceleration due to gravity

Acceleration due to gravity