Recent measurements of the gravitational constant as a function of time

TL;DR

This paper compiles 35 years of G measurements, analyzing their variation over time, and finds that the previously observed correlation with Earth's length of day oscillations is significantly weakened after data corrections.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive dataset of G measurements and critically evaluates the claimed periodic variation, challenging prior findings.

Findings

The compiled data shows a weaker correlation with the 5.9-year oscillation.

A sine wave fit with a 5.9-year period is still better than a straight line.

Data corrections reduce the strength of the previously reported correlation.

Abstract

A recent publication (J.D. Anderson et. al., EPL 110, 1002) presented a strong correlation between the measured values of the gravitational constant $G$ and the 5.9-year oscillation of the length of day. Here, we provide a compilation of all published measurements of $G$ taken over the last 35 years. A least squares regression to a sine with a period of 5.9 years still yields a better fit than a straight line. However, our additions and corrections to the G data reported by Anderson {\it et al.} significantly weaken the correlation.