1L10.30 • Space-Time Simulator

Location: Cabinet 4

Photos show the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.

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Concepts Conveyed:

• A visual and conceptual way to connect Newtonian gravity to Einstein's conception of space-time.

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Instructions / Notes:

• It shows how matter tells space how to bend and how space tells matter how to move.
• To visualize Kepler's laws, toss a couple marbles to demonstrate a solar system with planetary motion.
• Model a gravitational slingshot by tossing a smaller marble onto the fabric and waiting a few seconds to toss a larger ball to alter the marble's pass and speed.
• Demonstrate doppler wobble by tossing two balls similar in mass and size.
• Use two smaller ball bearings to create a binary system and toss marbles to show co-rotation(this one rarely works but you can try!)

Last updated on September 24, 2026