NASA is developing a revolutionary new tool to measure the subtle changes in gravity on our planet – a suitcase-sized instrument called the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf). This technology has the potential to provide unprecedented insight into our planet’s underground structures, detect hidden reserves of petroleum and water, and even improve navigation systems.
Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory are working with several partners to create this innovative device. It will use two clouds of ultra-cold rubidium atoms to compare their acceleration rates, which will reveal the location of gravitational anomalies. This technology leverages quantum physics to ensure precise and repeatable measurements, making it 10 times more sensitive than classical gravity sensors.
The QGGPf weighs just 275 pounds (125 kilograms) and is designed to fit into a small spaceflight package. Its primary mission is to prove out the technology in space by the end of the decade. If successful, this device could significantly improve our understanding of our planet’s subsurface structures and even enable us to “see” through the surface of distant worlds.
According to NASA officials, QGGPf has the potential to determine the mass of massive objects like mountains using the subtle changes in gravity. This technology could also be used for natural resource mapping and national security applications. The device is set to launch by the end of the decade, marking a significant step forward in the development of quantum gravity sensors.
With QGGPf, scientists will be able to create more accurate maps of our planet’s subsurface structures, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields like geology and resource management. This technology has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the Earth and its many secrets.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/nasa-wants-to-track-earths-gravity-with-a-cloud-of-floating-atoms-in-space-2000590151