Matthew Lukin Smawfield

Temporal Equivalence Principle: theory, empirical evidence, and astrophysical implications

Global Time Echoes: Interactive GNSS Demo

Interactive demonstration: Do atomic clocks lose synchronization over distance?

Abstract

This interactive demonstration replicates the methodology of the "Global Time Echoes" research series (Papers I–III) directly in your browser. By processing a 7-day sample of high-rate GNSS clock data (Jan 2024), it tests for distance-dependent decoherence (spatial correlation decay) in the global atomic clock network. The analysis seeks to identify the signature of gravitational coupling loss—a predicted breakdown of simultaneity over large baselines that contradicts the infinite spatial coherence assumption of standard General Relativity.

Note: While the full multi-year analysis (Papers I & II) yields a coupling range of λ ≈ 3,300–4,500 km and model confidence R² > 0.9, this abbreviated 7-day demo typically yields a shorter range (λ ≈ 2,000–2,500 km) and lower R² (~0.75) due to the limited integration time. However, this is sufficient to clearly demonstrate the 'fading memory' effect interactively.

Analysis Pipeline

  • 01. Load: Parse RINEX 3.04 CLK files (30s intervals) and IGS SINEX station coordinates (ITRF2020).
  • 02. Sync: Pivot to synchronized station-major time series, aligning to common GPS epochs to ensure simultaneity.
  • 03. Correlate (Signal Isolation): Stochastic fluctuations are isolated by removing linear clock drift, assuming oscillator steering is smooth over the 7-day window. Pearson correlation is then computed as a time-domain proxy for phase coherence.
  • 04. Model (Spatial Decay): Pairs are binned logarithmically (to balance statistical weight across scales) and fit to an isotropic decoherence model: C(r) = A·exp(-r/λ) + C₀.
    Notation: r = geodesic distance [km]; λ = coupling length [km]; A = coherence magnitude; C₀ = global noise floor.

Data Specifications

  • Source CODE Analysis Center (AIUB), Bern
  • Period Week 2295 (Jan 1-7, 2024)
  • Network ~300+ Active Hydrogen Maser/Cesium Clocks
  • Resolution 30s High-Rate (Process Interval)

Configuration

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Results

Results will appear here after analysis

Physics Visualization

Init
Load
Sync
Correlate
Model

Analysis Logs

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Global Network Map will appear here
Chart will appear here after analysis