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Aberration and the Speed of Gravity

S. Carlip

gr-qcarXiv:gr-qc/9909087

Abstract

The observed absence of gravitational aberration requires that ``Newtonian'' gravity propagate at a speed cg>2×1010c. By evaluating the gravitational effect of an accelerating mass, I show that aberration in general relativity is almost exactly canceled by velocity-dependent interactions, permitting cg=c. This cancellation is dictated by conservation laws and the quadrupole nature of gravitational radiation.

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