| Univ. NICE Prof. G. Metris | MICROSCOPE – Metrology and Dynamics in the Earth’s Environment to Test Gravitation (S3, elective, 6 ECTS) |
| Learning Outcomes: | In this training we will question the theory of gravitation by studying the following points: (i) limits of General Relativity and needs to extend it, (ii) gravity theories versus experiments, (iii) space as a relevant laboratory to test gravitation, (iv) focus on a flying space mission to test the Equivalence Principle. |
| Knowledge and Understanding: | To understand the limit of Gen-eral Relativity and investigate some alternative gravity theories. To imagine experimental ways to test the Universality of Free Fall and to find their practical limita-tions. To understand the principle of a space accelerometer and its applications for experimental physics in space.•To model a space experiment to test the Equivalence Principle us-ing accelerometers. To analyze real data from the MICROSCOPE space mission. To learn how to compute the mo-tion of a spacecraft. To know the existence of specific orbits and to understand their advantages. |
| Applying Knowledge and Understanding: | See above |
| Prerequisites | General relativity, numerical methods, dynamics and planetology, Math/Stat |
| Program | Theory: Geometric gravity and the free fall motion problem Dynamics of Artificial satellites Applications: The microscope space mission. |
| Description of how the course is conducted | Fundamental lectures and exercises |
| Description of the didactic methods | Powerpoints |
| Description of the evaluation methods | Written exam based on the lectures Participation note (answers to the exercises, activity in the project) Oral presentation of the project (context, objectives, methods, results) |
| Adopted Textbooks | Will C.M. Theory and experiment in Gravitational Physics, Cambridge University Press, 2018 Microscope website |
| Recommended readings |
