General Relativity — Space Curves

Understanding the Complex: Einstein's Theory of Relativity — Without the Formulas

---

Anchor update:

GPS satellites at 12,500 miles altitude are in a weaker gravitational field than clocks on the ground. General relativity predicts their clocks gain ~45 microseconds per day. Combined with the −7 from special relativity, the net is +38 μs/day — about 7 miles of GPS error if uncorrected.

Special relativity handles the speed effect. General relativity handles gravity. This lesson explains why gravity makes clocks run faster.

---