Relativistic Effects in Reference Frames

Abstract

AbstractThe impact of relativistic theories of space, time and gravitation on the problem of reference systems is reviewed.First, the concept of inertial systems is discussed from the point of view of the special and the general theory of relativity. Then, relativistic corrections of Doppler, laser and VLBI, and similar effects are reviewed; they are usually on the order of 10-8. Finally, the problem of a possible variation of the gravitational constant G (on the order of 10-11/year) is outlined; such a variation does not occur in special and general relativity, but is implied by certain generalized field theories which are less commonly accepted.