Romanian Journal of Information Technology and Automatic Control
Art. 03 – Vol. 22 – No. 1 – 2012
Gabriel Octavian CORBAN
gabycorban@yahoo.com
National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics
Corneliu Avram – MĂNESCU
avram050652@yahoo.com
G.S.T. Ploieşti
Abstract: Calculating precisely the coordinates of a given point on the Earth’s surface using the orbiting satellites network, can be done only by taking into account Einstein’s theory of relativity, thus the curved space in the vicinity of a body of considerable mass and time dilation at appropriate speeds.
This theory has great implications in accurately calculating the position of digital telescopes with computerised modules specialised in tracking objects throughout the Universe.
More exactly, tracking so precisely to the extend that the object seems to “freeze” in the eyeglass of the telescope, in spite of Earth rotation or relative motion to other bodies in the solar system.
The paper summarises the functions of the GPS module and the mathematical theory used by the system as an application in this domain. The practical aspects and corrections that are to be implemented in order to obtain conclusive results are also analysed. Influences predicted by the theory of relativity, such as time dilation at great speeds and curving of space in the vicinity of a body of considerable mass are verified through experiments within the system. Other applications of the GPS are also described and the Annex contains some technical data.
The paper is aimed to those interested in practical applications of science and highlights the close bond of science, technology and everyday life.
Keywords: digital telescopes, digital tracking, GPS, Cartesian coordinates, geographical coordinates, finite body, irreducible polynomial, string correlations, theory of relativity, atomic clock.