Introduction
Introduction
The idea that the velocity of light, in empty space, is the same in all frames of reference is fundamental to Einstein's Special and General Theories of Relativity. This assumption leads directly to the Lorentz transformation, and the time dilation and spatial contraction that describes.
However, the evidence provided by the Michelson's Interferometer experiment, and others like it, only show that measurements of the velocity of light are constant in the rest frame of the equipment used to measure it. In other words, they show that the velocity of light is constant with respect to the object that the light is approaching. That says nothing about the speed that the light is travelling at with respect to other objects in different rest frames.
So in the well known Einstein's Train example, it is stated that the light approaching the ends of the carriage is travelling at c with respect to:
- The observer on the train, and also...
- The observer on the platform.
The first of these follows from the evidence, as the observer on the train is at rest with respect to the ends of the carriage (which the light is approaching). The second is an assumption, as the observer on the platform is not a rest with respect to the objects that the light is approaching (the ends of the carriage).
Therefore, this site explores the implications of taking the velocity of light to be constant in the rest frame of the target, i.e. without making any assumption as to its value in other frames of reference. However, it must be noted that the scenario does not explain all known pehenomena. It must therefore be regarded as being largely speculative.
In the Light Experiment we discuss the effects of the velocity of light being constant in the rest frame of the target.
In the Mathematical Rel. we derive the mathematical relationship between the actual and perceived distances between an observer and a distant object.
In the New Concept we describe the simultaneity-time conceptual framework that is compatible with the light experiment and the mathematical relationships.
In the Conclusions we summarise the simultaneity-time conceptual framework.
