Is it space wrap proven?

Question

If a rocket from earth going to ..say Uranus..or other planet,...do they follow a linearly(straight) flight path or a curvy flight path?( of course after its leaving gravity),....i wonder wether actually space is not linear/plain..but wrap,..as theory of gravity.

is it already proven,..that space is actually bend?...when a rocket going to further distance...

Answer 1

It has been proven that space is curved, and there's two observations that stand out in my mind.

One is the precession of Mercury's orbit. This was something that could not be explained using Newton's classical mechanics, but fit perfectly with Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (which predicts that space-time is curved).

The second is based on an observation made some years ago during a total solar eclipse. A star which would have appeared near the edge of the disc of the sun was seen within the sun-moon disc (or at least measurably closer). In other words, as the light beam traveled near the sun was bent toward the sun (this is known as the "Gravitational Len's Effect"). Since the photon is a massless particle, the gravitational effect can't affect it. Therefore, the conclusion is that space-time is warped around massive bodies (even around the Earth, but the effect is barely noticeable, if at all).

Answer 2

I believe your question inquires about whether or not space is warped, or curved. It is probably better to ask such questions using complete sentences, otherwise one has to infer the nature of your question.

First, let me begin with your rocket analogy, most if not all spacecraft take arced or curved trajectories in space. Especially on a trip far out into the solar system to Uranus which you mentioned in your example. To get that far, our chemical propellant based rockets need some help - and get that help through what is referred to as a gravity assist.

In this situation, a spacecraft will fly close to a planetary body or moon so that the gravity of that body will 'pull' the spacecraft into itself, but not sufficiently to establish an orbit. The effect is much like that of hurling a discus. The centrifugal force that results applies more 'energy' to the spacecraft, accelerating it further and allowing it, albeit through a series of detours, to reach further out into the solar system than our otherwise limited chemical based rocketry is capable of achieving.

To the more fundamental nature of your question, Einsteins theory of general relativity predicts that the fabric of 'space-time' is indeed warped by the Mass of objects in space. Kind of like throwing a bowling ball onto a trampoline (the ball will sink in and create a 'well' - a gravity well). Some astronomers have actually been able to prove this by demonstrating the phenomenon of 'gravitational lensing' where the 'warp' of space time created by the sun will actually bend starlight, which requires the curvature of space to achieve.

An excellent question and I appreciate your willingness to learn more about science. KEEP STUDYING SCIENCE!!!!!

Some links below may be of interest....