CHARLES DRAPER, WHOSE EPONYMOUS LABORATORY developed the guidance systems for Apollo spacecraft, referred to inertial navigation as “astronomy in a closet.” It is based on a celestial reference system ...

Circular thinking: light a ring laser has been used to measure the Earth’s rotation. (Courtesy: iStock/amtitus) A gyroscope sensitive enough to detect Earth’s rotation has been created using a ...

Accurately sensing rotation is important to a variety of technologies, from today's smartphones to navigational instruments that help keep submarines, planes, and satellites on course. In a paper ...

The modern smartphone is only possible because of sensors. Their svelte form factor conceals accelerometers, magnetometers, temperature sensors, a GPS unit, and gyroscopes. They all consume volume and ...