Brennann

 Eintein's Theory of Relativity was one of the most shocking revelations of his time. Even today, people are still struggling to understand it and shed some light on the theory. However, some of the theory has been understood and many technological advancements have been made in the name of the Theory of Relativity. One such invention is the GPS, or global positioning system. GPS systems use a signal that is sent to the user of the GPS device to measure the distance from the satellite. They use the time it was sent and the time it was received to figure out the distance between the satellite and the person since they are at a fixed point in space. They calculate this time using atomic clocks that are accurate to billionths of a second. Then, the satellite uses that distance and the distance that the user is from other satellite, usually 6 to 12 other satellites. Then, the computer on the GPS device triangulates the signals, and your distance relative to the satellites is shown within 5 to 10 meters. This follows Einstein's Theory of Relativity since our motion is being tracked relative to the GPS Satellites, and his theory states that all motion is relative. Using this technology, we have been able to further our society, but we have also hampered and harmed it. We can use GPS systems to help our society by giving us directions and making sure we are never lost, and also by providing fast and efficent help to those who need it. However, we have also used this technology to build more deadly and accurate warheads for missles.
 *  Einstein's Theory of Relativity: How Has It Impacted Us? **

Using GPS systems, we can now know where we are anywhere in the world. This new technology allows us to use hand-held GPS systems to navigate through this increasingly complex world. We can now instantaniously get directions to go almost anywhere we would like. Also, this technology can help when there are no landmarks to base your position off of. Military soldiers can use this technology to escape a desert. Or an airplane can use the GPS to find the quickest route to its destination. Using this technology for that purpose has greatly improved our society.

GPS system saves lives as well. One case occurred in 2002, when rescuers used GPS systems to find miners trapped in a mine in Somerset, PA. The miners carried the GPS systems in case of such an event. The GPS system allowed the rescuers to find them, drill a hole, and rescue the miners. Another aspect of this technology is used by police stations, ambulances, and fire stations. When a fire or some other emergency occurs, the dispatch center can quickly locate the nearest unit to respond to the call. That speed and efficiency of response is due to GPS systems and that system saves lives. Another example of this technology being used to save lives is using it to stop forest fires. Airplanes can use GPS to map the perimeter of a fire and provide up-to-date maps to the coordinators, as well as pinpoint hot spots. These uses of GPS betters our society and helps to save lives.

While this technology helps us to find our way and rescue innocent people, it also can be used to hurt us. Using this technology, various military forces around the world have equipped this system to their missiles and make it almost impossible to miss their target. These bombs have lead to an increase in deaths due to the high accuracy in hitting their targets. However, this technology also helps us to reduce civilian casualties by decreasing the frequency of misses that may hit another building full of civilians. Also, if we have more accurate missiles, then we can protect our troops and maybe our homeland by destroying missiles in flight using GPS equipped missiles. Einstein was a brilliant mind for his time. The theories he made up were ground breaking and drastically improved the scientific and community society. Even though he was deemed a "genius" by so many, he had no idea what his Theory of Relativity would bring about. More than 100 years later, we are still using this theory to create new technologies that are helping, and unfortunately hindering, our society. GPS is one example of this technology. This system allows us to keep our sense of direction, build deadlier, and safer, warheads, and provide help to those who need it quickly and efficiently. If this is what society can come up with in the first 100 years of studying this theory, imagine what could happen 100 years from now. 


 * Works Cited (Information):**

"Uses for GPS." __The Aerospace Corporation__. 29 Apr. 2005. 27 Jan. 2009 . This website is very helpful in describing the uses of GPS. There are many examples that I had no clue that this system was used for. If anyone is looking for information on GPS systems and how they are used, this is a good site to use. It provides clear and easy to understand information on this topic.

Pogge, Richard. "GPS and Relativity." __The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy__. 15 Dec. 2004. 27 Jan. 2009 . This site is helpful to relate GPS systems and the theory of relativity. It explains the connection between the two concepts very well. It also helps to explain the theory as well in a clear and consice way. I would use this site to explain to people the theory and how it is being used today.

"GPS: Global Positioning System." __Couriosity-Driven Research__. 27 Jan. 2009 . This site explains how GPS is used and how it works. It also explains the origins and the reasons this system was created. This is very helpful in obtaining information on both GPS and the theory of relativity. I would recommend this site to almost everyone.


 * Works Cited (Pictures):**

Einstein — nutty professor or one cool dude? - A Century of Einstein- msnbc.com." __Breaking News, Weather, Business, Health, Entertainment, Sports, Politics, Travel, Science, Technology, Local, US & World News - msnbc.com- msnbc.com__. 27 Jan. 2009 . This picture is a famous picture of Eintein in his more crazy moments.

"Boeing: Integrated Defense Systems - Satellite Development Center - Boeing 702 Fleet - XM Satellite Radio ." __The Boeing Company__. 27 Jan. 2009 . This picture is an artistic representaion of a satillite in orbit around Earth.

"Handheld GPS." __Lets Go Mobile__. 27 Jan. 2009 [|www.letsgomobile.org/en/3362/handheld-gps/]. "Forest Fire ." __Alaska Stock Photography - Alaska Pictures and Photos from the last frontier__. 27 Jan. 2009 . This picture is a picture of a forest fire in Alaska.

"Magic R.550." __Federation of American Scientists__. 27 Jan. 2009 . This missle is a missle currently under developement by the military that uses GPS.

"Innovation - Trends & innovation expert Jim Carroll." __Futurist, trends, innovation consultant Jim Carroll__. 27 Jan. 2009 http://www.jimcarroll.com/blog/innovation/. This is an artistic representation of the future.