Phenomena that Challenge the answers given by General Relativity
Planetary Orbits and Energy Changes
Description: Planets in the solar system move in elliptical orbits, with varying speeds and energy levels. According to GR, spacetime should dynamically adjust to these changes, creating measurable distortions or lags in the gravitational field.
Why GR explanation doesn't fit: We do not observe these spacetime distortions or lags, suggesting that GR's model of dynamic spacetime curvature may not accurately reflect reality at the local level.
Tidal Forces and Gravitational Lags
Description: The Moon's gravitational pull on Earth creates tides, but instead of a single bulge directly facing the Moon, there are two bulges - one facing the Moon and another on the opposite side of the Earth. GR explains this using differential gravity, where different parts of the Earth experience varying spacetime curvature.
Why GR explanation doesn't fit: GR does not provide a clear causal mechanism for why the second bulge exists. If gravity is solely due to spacetime curvature, both sides of the Earth should experience similar gravitational effects, not a double bulge.
Lagrange Points and Stable Orbits
Description: Lagrange points are stable points in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies, like the Sun and Earth, and the centrifugal force of a smaller object balance out. GR does not explicitly predict or explain the existence of Lagrange points, as its focus is on geodesic motion in curved spacetime.
Why GR explanation doesn't fit: The stability of Lagrange points suggests the presence of an active force or interaction, rather than just passive motion along geodesics. GR's framework struggles to account for this stability without invoking additional assumptions or modifications.
Earth's Gravity in Motion
Description: Earth moves along a geodesic within the Sun's gravitational field. According to GR, the leading and trailing sides of Earth should experience different gravitational effects due to variations in spacetime curvature.
Why GR explanation doesn't fit: We do not observe this gravitational asymmetry, suggesting that GR's model of dynamic spacetime curvature may not accurately reflect reality at the local level.
Asteroid Belt and Resonance Effects
Description: The asteroid belt exhibits orbital resonance, where certain asteroids have orbital periods that are simple integer ratios of each other. Newtonian gravity explains this resonance as a result of gravitational interactions between the asteroids and planets.
Why GR explanation doesn't fit: GR does not explicitly predict or explain orbital resonance, as its focus is on the curvature of spacetime. The stability of resonant orbits suggests the presence of an active force or interaction, which GR struggles to account for without additional assumptions.