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Why in News: NASA scientists propose deploying a Quantum Gravity Gradiometer (QGG) on a low-Earth orbit satellite.
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Goal: To precisely monitor Earth’s subsurface mass distribution.
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Potential Benefits: Aids climate studies and enhances national security.
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What is a Gravity Gradiometer?: Measures variations in gravitational acceleration over a distance. Detects changes in gravitational force due to mass distribution. Faster fall indicates more mass below, slower fall indicates less.
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What is a QGG?: Measures differences in gravitational acceleration at different points in space.
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How it Works: Cools atoms to near absolute zero, manipulates them with lasers, and measures phase shifts sensitive to gravitational forces. Detects minute gravity variations (10⁻¹⁵ m/s²).
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Applications:
- Detects the gravitational pull of large landforms.
- Tracks shifts in water, ice, and land masses for climate change studies.
- Identifies underground resources (hydrocarbons, minerals, aquifers).
- Monitors strategic infrastructure and geological threats for national security.
- Detects buried ruins in archaeology.
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Advancements: Boosts quantum sensors, satellite tech, and geophysics.
Quantum Gradiometer
