Scientists might have observed the gravitational waves or the curves
in space-time. But we still have a limited knowledge about how gravity affects
the universe. André Füzfa, a mathematician at the University of Namur in
Belgium has proposed a method that would allow humans to control
gravity.
Füzfa says "Studying gravity is a
contemplative activity. Generating artificial gravitational fields, that could
be switched on or off at will, is a question captured or left to
science-fiction."
Füzfa's proposed device has not yet proved experimentally,
so we should not get so excited about it, but he has completed the calculations
related to the proposed device. His device is based on huge superconducting
electromagnets.
In fact, his assertion is quite close to reality as
it is based on the equivalence principle, which is at the very heart of
Einstein’s general relativity, and states that all types of energy produce and
undergo gravitation in the same way. So it indicates that electromagnetic
fields can curve the space-time as a planet or a sun could. But we can’t
observe these minute curves here on Earth. Füzfa proposed that by assembling huge
superconducting electromagnets, we would be able to establish a feeble
gravitational field, and this would be observed by using highly sensitive
interferometers.
These interferometers would superimpose the
gravitational fields on top of each other so that the physicists could get
details about them. It would be very difficult to make an IRL device of this
kind, with only mathematical proofs to continue. If we are be able to control
gravity just like the way we do with the other three fundamental forces -
electromagnetic, and strong and weak nuclear forces – it might just be a big
enough prize to take a gamble on.
It would ultimately take gravitation into a new
experimental and industrial era.
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