What is Artificial Gravity (AG)?
The concept of putting a crewmember on a centrifuge has come to be known as Artificial Gravity. Theres actually nothing artificial about it. As gravity is a type of acceleration, an alternative type of acceleration occurs when there is a change in speed or direction. Einstein showed there is actually no physical (or presumably physiological) distinction between these forms of acceleration. When we drive in a car and step hard on the accelerator (note that term), we are pushed back into the seat. This is because there is a change in our speed. Car advertisers boast 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Note this is simply a change in speed in a defined interval of time-the very definition of acceleration. Stepping hard on the brakes pulls us forward, a deceleration (negative acceleration). When we drive in a car and make a right turn, even maintaining a constant speed, we are pulled to the left. This change in direction is yet another form of acceleration. Virtual reality simulators move within e
