I’ve just read the New York Times article about Gravity Probe B (registration required to access website), and it’s set off my inner little boy (i.e.: “neato!”). I follow all the basic concepts of the physics it’s trying to measure and the physics of the measurings device itself, but this is just too cool not to pay attention to. Does anybody know how quickly results might be coming back? Is there a website with a more technical description of the probe’s workings, and maybe a clearinghouse for results as they return?
Calling Bad Astronomer!
Don’t count on being able to see raw data anywhere. It isn’t given to the public as it wouldn’t be meaningful and hasn’t been validated.
Yes, yes. I wasn’t asking about raw data. I’m asking about
a) a more technical description of the probe itself
b) where results will be released once vetted
b’) how long is it predicted to take before meaningful statements can be made.
Very cool, it’s launching from Vandenberg Airforce Base: Very near the university I work at. Should be able to get a good view of the launch results from my office window!