Experimental Confirmation
Gravitational time dilation has been experimentally measured using atomic clocks on airplanes. The clocks aboard the airplanes were slightly faster with respect to clocks on the ground. The effect is significant enough that the Global Positioning System's artificial satellites need to have their clocks corrected.
Additionally, time dilations due to height differences of less than 1 meter have been experimentally verified in the laboratory.
Gravitational time dilation has also been confirmed by the Pound–Rebka experiment, observations of the spectra of the white dwarf Sirius B and experiments with time signals sent to and from Viking 1 Mars lander.
Read more about this topic: Gravitational Time Dilation
Famous quotes containing the words experimental and/or confirmation:
“If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning, concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Commit it then to flames: for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion.”
—David Hume (17111776)
“Trifles light as air
Are to the jealous confirmation strong
As proofs of holy writ.”
—William Shakespeare (15641616)