Albert Einstein

The atomic clocks in the GPS system are so accurate that they take into account Albert Einstein’s understanding of time, space, and relativity. Because GPS satellites experience less gravity and move at high velocity, their clocks operate at a different rate than those on Earth. Since all the clocks in the system must be synchronized, a net correction of 38 millionths of a second per day must be added to the satellite clocks’ time signals.

Caption:
The atomic clocks in the GPS system are so accurate that they take into account Albert Einstein’s understanding of time, space, and relativity.
Type: Photograph
Credit: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
Origin: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
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The atomic clocks in the GPS system are so accurate that they take into account Albert Einstein’s understanding of time, space, and relativity.