Space Probes show the value of preserving data

prof_braino

By way of slash dot

http://spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/astrophysics/finding-the-source-of-the-pioneer-anomaly/?utm_source=techalert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=120612

mindrobots

The magnitude of the force was still tiny by Earth standards—about the same as the backward push your car experiences in reaction to the photons spit out by its high-beam headlights.

I find it mind boggling that forces like that can be measured with confidence across millions and millions of miles with all the variables, tolerances, simulations and estimations at play in the modeling. I can't questions or challenge it in any way but I can find it an amazing claim.

ElectricAye

"...When we compared this independent estimate with the one derived from the spacecraft model, we found that the two values matched within 20 percent. Once uncertainties are taken into account, there is no statistically significant difference.... "

I salute their persistence and resistance to mold. But considering the hundreds of articles that have been written on this observed phenomenon, does this one now go to the top of the pile? or to the bottom? I'm always intrigued by how certain people are of their uncertainties.

mindrobots

I can confidently say I know more about what I don't know than you could know about what you don't know, based on what I don't know about what you don't know.

ElectricAye

mindrobots wrote: »

I can confidently say I know more about what I don't know than you could know about what you don't know, based on what I don't know about what you don't know.

You have learned much, no doubt a student of this man:

skylight

A facinating article and shows the dedication of those people that work on these projects