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arXiv · gr-qc/9909087

Aberration and the Speed of Gravity

S. Carlip
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Abstract

The observed absence of gravitational aberration requires that ``Newtonian'' gravity propagate at a speed $c_g>2\times10^{10}c$. By evaluating the gravitational effect of an accelerating mass, I show that aberration in general relativity is almost exactly canceled by velocity-dependent interactions, permitting $c_g=c$. This cancellation is dictated by conservation laws and the quadrupole nature of gravitational radiation.

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S. Carlip. 1999-12-31. Aberration and the Speed of Gravity. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0375-9601(00)00101-8

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