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As time passes, we will be able to see objects that are further away, as their light eventually reaches us. Since gravity also travels at the speed of light, would we be able to detect when a super heavy object came within the visible universe?

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  • $\begingroup$ Are you asking "in theory" or "in practice"? $\endgroup$
    – James K
    Commented May 25, 2023 at 22:47
  • $\begingroup$ It depends on how superheavy it is and what "detect" means. If it's an experimental apparatus that measures gravity, I don't think we routinely measure anything besides the Sun and Moon, and those can be measured with relatively simple equipment (probably at a few locations on Earth) and careful analysis, or just watching the tides go in and out. OR do you mean "detect" by it's gravitational effects on other distant astronomical objects we can observe? $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Commented May 26, 2023 at 7:27
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    $\begingroup$ Does this answer your question? Is it "nonsense to even talk about" objects outside the observable universe not having gravitational influence on us? (finite speed of gravity) The first answer addresses about as clearly as possible why this won't happen. $\endgroup$
    – antlersoft
    Commented May 26, 2023 at 14:09
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    $\begingroup$ @uhoh The latter. For example, the moon would be influenced between ±1.3 seconds before or after the earth, depending on the relative direction to the object. I'm guessing the effect would be too small to be noticeable. $\endgroup$
    – Colin
    Commented May 27, 2023 at 0:20
  • $\begingroup$ @JamesK Would the effect be measurable in practice. $\endgroup$
    – Colin
    Commented May 28, 2023 at 7:28

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