technology / Real
Does GPS need relativity to stay accurate?
Yes. Relativistic effects are part of keeping satellite navigation timing accurate.
RELATIVE GPS
The Claim
GPS has to account for relativity.
The Answer
GPS depends on extremely precise clocks. NIST and physics education sources explain that both special and general relativity matter for satellite clock corrections.
Why This Is Surprising
It sounds like the kind of claim that races around social feeds without context. The source trail matters because the best version of the wonder is the verified one.
How We Checked It
We looked for an authoritative primary source, checked the wording against at least one credible secondary source when available, and recorded the last review date.