Resource Letter PTG-1: Precision Tests of Gravity

TL;DR

This resource letter introduces key experimental tests of general relativity, covering historical and current topics, including alternative theories, equivalence principle tests, and gravitational radiation, serving as a comprehensive guide for students and researchers.

Contribution

It provides a structured overview of experimental gravity tests and historical literature, serving as an educational resource for students and researchers in physics.

Findings

Summarizes main experimental tests of general relativity.

Highlights recent advances in gravitational research.

Provides historical context and future directions.

Abstract

This resource letter provides an introduction to some of the main current topics in experimental tests of general relativity as well as to some of the historical literature. It is intended to serve as a guide to the field for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students, both theoretical and experimental, and for workers in other fields of physics who wish learn about experimental gravity. The topics covered include alternative theories of gravity, tests of the principle of equivalence, solar-system and binary-pulsar tests, searches for new physics in gravitational arenas, and tests of gravity in new regimes, involving astrophysics and gravitational radiation.