Ether with a speed of at least 3x10^4 m/sec?

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    Ether Speed
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the assumptions made in an experiment regarding the Earth's motion relative to the ether, specifically questioning why it was considered safe to assume a speed of at least 3x10^4 m/sec at certain times of the year. The scope includes theoretical considerations and assumptions related to the nature of ether and Earth's orbital dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the basis for assuming that the Earth should be moving relative to the ether at a speed of at least 3x10^4 m/sec at certain times of the year.
  • Another participant suggests that the non-linear path of the Earth's orbit around the sun contributes to changes in velocity, potentially accounting for the assumed speed difference.
  • Some participants propose that it must be assumed the Earth cannot drag the ether along, although this assumption may vary depending on the context of the experiment.
  • There is a reiteration of the assumption regarding the Earth's inability to drag the ether along, indicating a need for clarity on this point in relation to the experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the assumptions regarding the ether and the Earth's motion, suggesting that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights assumptions about the nature of ether and its interaction with the Earth, as well as the implications of the Earth's orbital path, which may not be fully resolved or quantified.

esb08
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Why in this experiment was it safe to assume that at some time of the year the Earth should be moving relative to the ether with a speed of at least 3x10^4 m/sec??
 
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The Earth's path around the sun is not a straight line. The change in velocity from one side of the orbit to its opposite side would account for it. I haven't calculated the value, but it looks like that will be the difference.
 


However one must assume that the Earth can not drag the ether along.
 


Lojzek said:
However one must assume that the Earth can not drag the ether along.
Well, for that experiment, anyway.
 

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