NASA wants to track the gravity of the earth with a cloud of floating atoms in space

The clamp, obsessive: NASA builds the first quantum gravitational sensor-a tool of the size of a bag that can measure everything close to the groundwater to hidden oil reserves, all by watching how atoms work under the power of gravity.

In addition to many partners, researchers at NASA’s jetpache laboratory develop the project, which is called the quantum gravity of QGGPF. As its name indicates, QGGPF is a gravitational wall scale, and it measures how to compare the acceleration of one object with another nearby object; The difference is compatible with the acceleration of objects with the power of gravity that works on each object. When gravity is stronger, the organisms – AKA test blocks – fall faster.

Earth’s gravity is not fixed – it changes skillfully all the time as the mass transformed around the planet. Geological processes such as tectonic activity, calves of ice rivers, or draining the groundwater layers can push the forces of gravity a little in an area or another. On our physical scale, these transformations are imperceptible-but not for sensitive tools for scientists.

These small differences are not just a west of nature – they have a real benefit for navigation systems, drawing natural resources maps and even national security. With the right sensors, scientists can use gravity to “see” what is hidden under the surface of the earth. The more severe the map of gravity, the more we understand what is going on under the ground.

“We can determine the Himalayas mass using atoms,” said Jason Hyun, the chief Earth Science specialist at JPL. Release. QGGPF will specifically use Rubidium atoms, which are cooled to the highest absolute zero, which behaves more like the particles than the particles to make their measurements from the outside.

Here the quantum magic runs: QGGPF uses clouds of cold atoms-test blocks-and it is compared to the speed of its decline in relation to each other. The fastest fall indicates a stronger weight on this site. The difference in the acceleration between clouds tells scholars, where abnormal cases lie.

Unlike the oldest gravitational measuring devices, QGGPF is used as quantum physics to ensure repetition and accuracy. “With the atoms, I can guarantee that every measurement will be the same,” said physicist Xing and Yiu Cyu. “We are less sensitive to environmental noise.”

QGGPF package these severe measurements in a small package according to Faceflight: The device weighs only 275 pounds (125 kg) and takes about 0.3 cubic yards (0.25 cubic meters).

Quantitative gravitational measuring devices can be 10 times more sensitive than classic gravitational sensors, according to NASA. This means more severe data, a lower number of blind spots, and more insight into what is happening under our feet – and perhaps on other planets in the future.

QGGPF is appointed to launch by the end of the contract, and its main task is to prove technology – and thus “Pathfinder” in its name. “No one has been raised before,” said Jpl Postdoc Ben Stray. “We have to test it in space to see what is really able to.”

If the QGGPF flies and performs as expected, we may not only draw our planet with unprecedented details – we can change the way we look at the invasive and rock courage from the distant worlds.