I think the measurement aspect is only part of the interest. The other is there might be previously unknown physics at work. We don't get too many chances to experiment on things in space, so surprises mean there's an understanding gap.
At one point, the motion of Mercury didn't fit into the rules of mechanics, which we thought we understood. It turns out we didn't, and general relativity filled that gap.
It's far more likely the explanation is a mundane force not considered before, than new physics. But we have to look.
At one point, the motion of Mercury didn't fit into the rules of mechanics, which we thought we understood. It turns out we didn't, and general relativity filled that gap.
It's far more likely the explanation is a mundane force not considered before, than new physics. But we have to look.