Moon-based lasers could uncover exotic physics

[GordonCopestake]

http://space.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn12130&feedId=online-news_rss20

[Jeff RV]

Hi,

Very interesting as long as it don't bounce of my head.

I take it laser beams still only travel at 186,000 mps? (only).

[Astroman]

Yes Jeff, c is still the speed limit, even for lasers.

I'd question the "increased accuracy" of a lunar based laser, due to the time it takes for circuitry to detect an incoming laser and turn its own laser on. The difference would, no doubt be small but enough to erase any benefit of increased intensity. I also doubt the efficacy of using a laser on the moon to test relativity. Since the Earth/Moon system is not very massive, and we cirrently do similar experiments with radio waves aimed at Jupiter and other more distant bodies, I'd suspect there's not much to be gained. But that's just me. If NASA has approved a study grant, it's a good thing, but a study grant is not an operational grant, by any means. I wouldn't hold my breath. :?