Volume 20: Pages 207-217, 2007
A “Hubble Expansion” Explanation for the Anomalous Acceleration of the Pioneer Spacecraft
Ronald R. Hatch 1
11142 Lakme Avenue, Wilmington, California 90744 U.S.A.
An explanation of the anomalous acceleration of the Pioneer spacecraft is presented. The explanation depends upon an analogy between the effects of an increase in the gravitational potential and the effects of the Hubble expansion. The derivation depends upon an ether‐based theory of gravity. Though such a gravitational theory appears radical, the equations for an elastic ether differ in relatively minor detail from the equations of Einstein's general theory of relativity. The details of the ether‐based gravity theory have been previously described, but the pertinent portions are repeated herein. The explanation of the apparent force fits the anomalous acceleration of the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft very accurately. Several tests of the theory are suggested. First, and most important, evidence is cited that indicates that the newly described mechanism will significantly reduce the annual and diurnal cyclic residuals described in the referenced literature. Second, the placement of a transponder package like that of the Pioneer spacecraft upon one of the planets or moons of the planets could provide a relatively rapid verification of the mechanism. Finally, the launch of a “drag‐free” spacecraft would also enable a test of the newly described mechanism.
Keywords: anomalous acceleration, Pioneer 10, Hubble expansion, gravity, ether, general theory of relativity, special theory of relativity
Received: September 14, 2005; Published Online: March 26, 2009
