Stringy Corrections to the Classical Tests of General Relativity

TL;DR

This paper calculates string theory-induced modifications to classical tests of general relativity, finding that these effects are too small to be experimentally detected with current technology.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed computation of stringy corrections to key classical tests of general relativity.

Findings

Stringy effects are negligible in classical tests.

Corrections are consistent with theoretical expectations.

No measurable deviations from Einstein's predictions.

Abstract

String theory imposes modifications to Einstein's equations of classical general relativity. Consequently, we calculate the additional corrections to the classical tests: the perihelion precession of Mercury, the deflection of light rays by the sun, and the gravitational redshift which should be present if these modified equations hold. In each case, we determine --- quite consistently with expectations --- that the stringy effects are much too small to be measured.