Looking for a new test of general relativity in the solar system

TL;DR

This paper explores three innovative methods, based on time measurements and pulsar signals, to test general relativity corrections at the Sun-Earth Lagrangian points L1 and L2, aiming to improve experimental verification.

Contribution

It introduces three novel, matter-of-principle approaches utilizing pulsar signals and relativistic positioning to measure general relativity effects at solar system Lagrangian points.

Findings

Feasibility of measuring GR corrections at L1 and L2.

Proposed methods depend on clock synchronization at Lagrangian points.

Potential for new tests of general relativity in the solar system.

Abstract

This paper discusses three matter-of-principle methods for measuring the general relativity correction to the Newtonian values of the position of collinear Lagrangian points L1 and L2 of the Sun-Earth-satellite system. All approaches are based on time measurements. The first approach exploits a pulsar emitting signals and two receiving antennas located at L1 and L2, respectively. The second method is based on a relativistic positioning system based on the Lagrangian points themselves. These first two methods depend crucially on the synchronization of clocks at L1 and L2. The third method combines a pulsar and an artificial emitter at the stable points L4 or L5 forming a basis for the positioning of the collinear points L1 and L2. Further possibilities are mentioned and the feasibility of the measurements is considered.