[who_would_fardels_bear]

Is there a reason gravitational waves can only travel at the speed of light?

Is this taken into consideration when we launch vehicles into space, i.e. vehicles are effected not by where the sun and planets are now, but where they were when the effects of the gravitational field finally reach the vehicle?

[UCANSEE2]

Is this taken into consideration when we launch vehicles into space, i.e. vehicles are effected not by where the sun and planets are now, but where they were when the effects of the gravitational field finally reach the vehicle?

That's why we have 'course corrections'.

[Smokin' Joe]

Is there a reason gravitational waves can only travel at the speed of light?

I questioned that in a physics class, asking how long it would take for the change in gravitational force from a star to be felt at a distance as the star lost mass.

I was told, in no uncertain terms, that If I ever brought that question up in class or mentioned gravity as a propagated energy form again I would be summarily flunked.

That was an eye opener for me.

I wonder if similar attitudes over "climate change" have cut down on the number of STEM students.