headlessplatter
headlessplatter t1_j2xhjm7 wrote
Could Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) be tested by measuring the gravitational effects of Jupiter on our moon? As I understand, Newtonian Dynamics suggests the force of gravity decays by the square of distance, but MOND says it decays somewhat more slowly over great distances. Since our moon is rather reflective, it seems to me we could probably bounce a laser off of it, or if necessary even place a mirror on the moon to facilitate this test. Then, I imagine we could measure its distance with very high precision. If this is feasible, then I imagine we might be able to detect the subtle gravitational effects of other planets on our moon as their distance to our moon changes. (I don't really believe this would work, or else astronomers would probably have tried it, but I'd be curious to know which aspect of this proposed experiment renders it completely infeasible.)
headlessplatter t1_j2xjr94 wrote
Reply to comment by lunakat6 in Ask Anything Wednesday - Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science by AutoModerator
According to NASA (https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/frequently-asked-questions/fact-sheet/), the cost to sent Voyager 1 and 2 out of our Solar System was about $865M--an amount I could not afford, but still comfortably within the reach of certain individuals.