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Equivalence of active and passive gravitational mass using the moonBased on an asymmetry in the composition of the moon, a limit is established for the violation of the equity of passive and active gravitational mass. It is suggested that the 2-km offset between the moon's center of figure and center of mass imply an asymmetry in the distribution of Fe and Al, and that the Fe on one side and the Al on the other must attract another with equal force in order for the moon to follow the orbit predicted by classical mechanics. Based on laser ranging data and a model for the moon's interior, the ratios of active to passive mass for Fe and Al are found to be equal to a precision of 4 x 10 to the -12th.
Document ID
19860061568
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Bartlett, D. F.
(Colorado, University Boulder, United States)
Van Buren, D.
(Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
July 7, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Physical Review Letters
Volume: 57
ISSN: 0031-9007
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
86A46306
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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