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The ‘Black Sheep’ of the Fundamental Constants: Measuring Big G
In physics, the gravitational constant — known as “Big G” — defines the strength of gravity throughout the universe. Despite centuries of experiments, though, it remains one of the fundamental constants with the greatest uncertainty.
In this video, NIST scientists revisit a classic experiment first performed by Henry Cavendish in 1798, using a torsion balance to measure incredibly small gravitational forces. By repeating and refining past methods, using ultrasensitive instruments and blind analysis techniques, Stephan Schlamminger and his team worked to eliminate bias and realize a new value of Big G.
To learn more, visit: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/04/nist-weighs-mystery-gravitational-constant
In this video, NIST scientists revisit a classic experiment first performed by Henry Cavendish in 1798, using a torsion balance to measure incredibly small gravitational forces. By repeating and refining past methods, using ultrasensitive instruments and blind analysis techniques, Stephan Schlamminger and his team worked to eliminate bias and realize a new value of Big G.
To learn more, visit: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/04/nist-weighs-mystery-gravitational-constant
Time capsule encasement welding
Supervisory Engineering Technician Asia Robertson and Engineering Technician Quonte Little weld pieces of the time capsule.
