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They set a limit on the anisotropy of the speed of light resulting from the Earth's motions of Δc/c ≈ 10 −15, where Δc is the difference between the speed of light in the x- and y-directions. [33] As of 2015, optical and microwave resonator experiments have improved this limit to Δc/c ≈ 10 −18.
Michelson's final 1931 attempt to measure the speed of light in vacuum was interrupted by his death. Although his experiment was completed posthumously by F. G. Pease and F. Pearson, various factors militated against a measurement of highest accuracy, including an earthquake which disturbed the baseline measurement.
The Michelson–Gale–Pearson experiment (1925) is a modified version of the Michelson–Morley experiment and the Sagnac-Interferometer. It measured the Sagnac effect due to Earth's rotation , and thus tests the theories of special relativity and luminiferous ether along the rotating frame of Earth .
The effects of special relativity can phenomenologically be derived from the following three fundamental experiments: [8] Michelson–Morley experiment, by which the dependence of the speed of light on the direction of the measuring device can be tested. It establishes the relation between longitudinal and transverse lengths of moving bodies.
The results of the Michelson–Morley experiments supported Albert Einstein's strong postulate in 1905 that the speed of light is a constant in all inertial frames of reference for his Special Theory of Relativity. [2] Morley also collaborated with Dayton Miller on positive aether experiments after his work with Michelson. [2]
The other two fundamental tests are Michelson–Morley experiment (proves light speed isotropy) and Ives–Stilwell experiment (proves time dilation) 1934 – Georg Joos publishes on the Michelson–Gale–Pearson experiment, stating that it is improbable that aether would be entrained by translational motion and not by rotational motion.
The measurements of speed of light are also mentioned only to the minimum extent, i.e. when they proved for the first time that c is finite and invariant. Innovations like the use of Foucault's rotating mirror or the Fizeau wheel are not listed here – see the article about speed of light. This timeline also ignores, for reasons of volume and ...
Albert Abraham Michelson (surname pronunciation anglicized as Michael-son; December 19, 1852 – May 9, 1931) was an American astronomer and physicist known for his work on measuring the speed of light and especially for the Michelson–Morley experiment.