Proposed Experiment - Speed of Light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proposed experiment to investigate whether light experiences effects similar to gravity assist, where its frequency could change as it passes near massive bodies like planets. Participants explore the implications of gravity on light's behavior, particularly in terms of frequency shifts, and whether these shifts can be analogized to the momentum exchanges seen in gravity assist for massive objects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that light could experience changes in frequency when passing near massive bodies, akin to gravity assist effects observed in objects with mass.
  • Others argue that while light is confirmed to bend under gravity, the concept of gravity assist traditionally applies to objects with mass, raising questions about its applicability to light.
  • One participant proposes a specific experimental setup involving spectroscopic observations of light from stars as they pass near Mercury to detect potential frequency shifts.
  • There is a discussion about gravitational redshift and Shapiro time delay, with some participants asserting these are distinct phenomena from gravity assist.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about whether gravity assist can be defined in a way that includes light, suggesting that the term may need broader interpretation to encompass the effects of gravity on light's momentum or energy.
  • There are references to previous experiments confirming frequency shifts in radio waves due to gravitational effects, which some participants believe could support the proposed ideas regarding light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on whether light can experience gravity assist in the same way as massive objects. Multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and implications of gravity assist as it relates to light.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clarity in defining terms such as "gravity assist" and the conditions under which light's frequency might change. There are unresolved questions about the specific mechanisms and whether the proposed experiment would yield definitive results.

  • #31
Huh...not sure why this flagged as new.

In addition to the fact that this is unnecessary (has been observed elsewhere under better conditions), and likely too small to see, let me point out another problem: the kinematics of gravity assist are the same as for reflection. Good luck seeing the effect you want over a reflection background that's a zillion times bigger.
 

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