On the covariant formulation of geoid: the case for Kerr spacetime

Document Type : Original Article

Author

School of Surveying and Geospatial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

A compatible theory of relativistic geodesy is quite necessary for future development of any formulation of the subject. In this paper, following recent studies which invoke an idea of relativistic geoid, i.e. the chronometric definition implied by the gravitational redshift, we revisit known calculations on some standard spacetimes. Among all, the notion of frame dragging in the Kerr spacetime and its relationship to the rotative observers needed for the consistent definition of the geoid is analyzed. A compatible theory of relativistic geodesy is quite necessary for future development of any formulation of the subject. In this paper, following recent studies which invoke an idea of relativistic geoid, i.e. the chronometric definition implied by the gravitational redshift, we revisit known calculations on some standard spacetimes. Among all, the notion of frame dragging in the Kerr spacetime and its relationship to the rotative observers needed for the consistent definition of the geoid is analyzed.

Keywords