SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the Michelson-Morley experiment, which demonstrated that the speed of light is invariant, moving at 'c' regardless of the source's speed. Participants recommend primary sources, specifically Michelson and Morley's original paper, for detailed explanations of the experiment. Additionally, the significance of the Michelson Interferometer, developed by Albert Abraham Michelson, is highlighted as a groundbreaking instrument in physics, crucial for detecting gravitational waves. Recent insights into the history of the interferometer are also referenced, providing further context for its impact on modern physics.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of the Michelson-Morley experiment
- Familiarity with the concept of the speed of light as a constant
- Knowledge of the Michelson Interferometer and its applications
- Basic grasp of gravitational wave detection technologies
NEXT STEPS
- Read Michelson and Morley's original paper on the experiment
- Explore the Commentary ‘How gravitational waves went from a whisper to a shout’ published in Physics Today
- Investigate the design and function of the Michelson Interferometer
- Research recent papers on the history and advancements of interferometry in physics
USEFUL FOR
Physics students, researchers in optics and gravitational wave detection, historians of science, and anyone interested in the foundational experiments of modern physics.