2005/09/30 by Bahram Mashhoon
Physics and Astronomy · #Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations #Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena #Classical mechanics #General relativity #Gravitation #Gravitational energy #Motion (physics) #Newtonian fluid #Physics #Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research #Quantum mechanics #Relativistic particle #Relativistic speed #Speed of light (cellular automaton) #Theoretical physics #astro-ph #gr-qc
paper · pdf · doi:10.1142/s0218271805008121
published as Int.J.Mod.Phys.D14:2025-2037,2005 · 13 pages, to appear in the Special December 2005 Issue of Int. J. Mod. Phys. D
arxiv created 2005/09/30 · openalex publication_date 2005/12/01 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
A null ray approaching a distant astronomical source appears to slow down, while a massive particle speeds up in accordance with Newtonian gravitation. The integration of these apparently incompatible aspects of motion in general relativity is due to the existence of a critical speed. The dynamics of particles moving faster than the critical speed could then be contrary to Newtonian expectations. Working within the framework of gravitoelectromagnetism, the implications of the existence of a critical speed are explored. The results are expected to be significant for high energy astrophysics.