Rotation in relativity and the propagation of light

TL;DR

This paper explores different perspectives on rotation in general relativity, using the Sagnac effect and visualizations to analyze the properties of rotating spacetimes like the Goedel universe.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of rotation concepts in relativity, combining theoretical discussion with visual tools and mathematical summaries for clarity.

Findings

Sagnac effect as a measure of rotation in spacetime

Visualizations reveal unique features of the Goedel universe

Comparison of Mach, Thirring, Lense, and Goedel perspectives

Abstract

We compare and contrast the different points of view of rotation in general relativity, put forward by Mach, Thirring and Lense, and Goedel. Our analysis relies on two tools: (i) the Sagnac effect which allows us to measure rotations of a coordinate system or induced by the curvature of spacetime, and (ii) computer visualizations which bring out the alien features of the Goedel Universe. In order to keep the paper self-contained, we summarize in several appendices crucial ingredients of the mathematical tools used in general relativity. In this way, our lecture notes should be accessible to researchers familiar with the basic elements of tensor calculus and general relativity.