How does the swimmer analogy explain the movement of light in the ether?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the swimmer analogy used to explain the movement of light in the ether, particularly in the context of Michelson's experiments and the implications for the ether theory. Participants explore the conceptual understanding of ether as a medium for light and the potential for light to be deflected in various scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how light could move without deflection in the ether wind direction, referencing the swimmer analogy.
  • Another participant questions the definition of ether, suggesting it could refer to space itself or a medium affecting light, such as gravitational fields.
  • A participant clarifies their understanding of ether as a fixed medium through which light travels, as conceived in Michelson's time.
  • One participant asserts that light would indeed be deflected according to the ether theory, referencing Michelson's experiment as evidence against the existence of ether.
  • Another participant suggests that factors like planets and black holes would cause light to deflect, implying that light cannot travel without some form of deflection.
  • A participant challenges the notion of ether by stating that light does not require a medium for its propagation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of ether and its role in light propagation. There is no consensus on whether light requires a medium or if it can travel without deflection.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified their assumptions about ether, and there are unresolved questions regarding the implications of gravitational fields and other cosmic phenomena on light's path.

Fawkes511
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On the Ether "Swimmer Analogy"

I am a high school student working through Lillian Lieber's The Einstein Theory of Relativity. She addresses Michelson's "swimmer analogy" (that light traveling through the ether could be compared to a swimmer traveling in a stream). I am confused as to how, in this theory, light with any component of motion in the "ether wind" direction would be able to move without a "deflection" in path. Help?
 
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Hi, I am also a high school student but took Relativity last semester. By the way when you refer to ether what do you imply. Do u imply ether as being space or ether as being a stream of possible interference in space like light passing through a huge planet( gravitational field).
 


I mean "ether" as the medium through which light travels, as envisaged in Michelson's day (i.e. as a fixed frame of reference through which the Earth would move). Perhaps if I were to write "luminiferous aether," my meaning would be more apparent?
 


I'm not sure if I understand your question, but I think the answer is that the light *would* be deflected under this theory. When Michelson's experiment found that this didn't actually occur, it put a big hole in the whole idea of an "aether".
 


Ohh now i understand that was in a frame where space was flat so you but due to presence of planets, radiation anomalies, black holes and many other things light cannot therefore travel without a deflection.
 


correct me if am wrong about the ether
 


i mean your reference to medium throws it off balance because light itslef doesn't need a medium.
 

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