In 2017, students from Portland Community College performed the Modern Eddington Experiment during the total eclipse crossing the nation, and became the first students in history to measure the curvature of space by determining the Einstein Coefficient. Now in 2024, with even better equipment, teams are being recruited for performance of the experiment at a wonderful spot in central Mexico in April 2024. With four teams committed already, you to can involve your students in this extraordinary international research experience. We plan to perform the experiment more accurately than ever done before! This talk will show you how to do this. The long range plan is to make the Modern Eddington Experiment a routine experiment in general relativity for the Advanced Lab courses at many schools during the future eclipses in 2026 and 2028 and beyond.

Modern Eddington Experiment

The Drop Tower at Portland State University allows investigations of the behavior of physics demonstrations when the acceleration due to gravity goes to zero for 2.1 seconds. Does this cause a chaotic pendulum to transition into non-chaotic behavior or does chaos survive this short transition into weightlessness due to being in a non-inertial frame of reference from free fall? This question will be answered by viewing one of the many demonstrations in the Drop Tower Physics YouTube Channel, and the theoretical reason for this behavior will be discussed.

Chaotic Pendulum in Free Fall

(CC) Astronomy Paper

technical paper

AAPT meetings are a great way to reflect on your teaching, recommit to best practices and re-energize your career with new research, products, and techniques. Listen to internationally known plenary speakers, attend sessions, workshops, and special activities. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise and learn from and network with leaders in the field.



AAPT SM 22

AAPT meetings are a great way to reflect on your teaching, recommit to best practices and re-energize your career with new research, products, and techniques. Listen to internationally known plenary speakers, attend sessions, workshops, and special activities. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise and learn from and network with leaders in the field.

A10.3 - Chaotic Laboratories and Apparatus

This meeting is a great opportunity to explore sessions and workshops designed with your professional development in mind. Present your research and exchange ideas on the latest in teaching and pedagogy. Participate in a wide range of events, activities, plenaries, and so much more, connecting you with peers and colleagues who share your commitment to excellence in physics education.

Toby Dittrich

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SHORT BIO

Presentations

Modern Eddington Experiment

Chaotic Pendulum in Free Fall

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