Tests of General Relativity and Alternative Theories of Gravity

Abstract: General Relativity (GR), formulated by Albert Einstein in 1915, remains the cornerstone of modern gravitational physics, providing profound insights into the structure and dynamics of the universe. Its predictions have been extensively tested through a wide range of experimental and observational studies, confirming its consistency and predictive power with remarkable accuracy. Nevertheless, ongoing efforts to test GR continue to be motivated by the search for possible deviations, the need to address unresolved cosmological phenomena, and the pursuit of a more fundamental theory of gravity. This essay presents a comprehensive review of past, current, and proposed future experiments designed to test gravitational theories, with particular emphasis on General Relativity. It discusses both the underlying physical principles and the mathematical frameworks that govern these experiments. In addition, the study examines prominent alternative theories of gravity, with specific focus on the Brans–Dicke theory, highlighting their theoretical foundations and observational implications. The analysis aims to evaluate the robustness of General Relativity while exploring the extent to which alternative models can account for observed phenomena, thereby contributing to the ongoing development of gravitational physics. Keywords: General, Relativity, Theories, Gravity. Title: Tests of General Relativity and Alternative Theories of Gravity Author: Michelle Berwa, Prof. Marc Casals International Journal of Mathematics and Physical Sciences Research ISSN 2348-5736 (Online) Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 27-54 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 01-May-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19952082 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/tests-of-general-relativity-and-alternative-theories-of-gravity