GPS Satellites Must Correct Their Atomic Clocks by 38 Microseconds Per Day Due to Einstein's Relativity

GPS Satellites Must Correct Their Atomic Clocks by 38 Microseconds Per Day Due to Einstein's Relativity

The GPS satellites orbiting 20,200 kilometres overhead must correct their atomic clocks by 38 microseconds per day, as Einstein's relativity predicts time itself runs faster up there where Earth's gravity is weaker. This correction is necessary to ensure that the GPS system provides accurate location and time information to users. The atomic clocks aboard GPS satellites tick faster than identical clocks on the ground by approximately 38 microseconds every day. This discrepancy is corrected by adjusting the atomic clocks to ensure that the GPS system remains accurate and reliable.