Does the Ether Theory Explain Sidereal Fluctuations in Atomic Clocks?

  • Thread starter wisp
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Experiment
In summary, the conversation discusses the experiment conducted by Hafele and Keating in 1971 to test the effect of time dilation on moving atomic clocks. Special relativity's predictions and the results of the experiment agree, but it does not provide a reason why it only works if the Earth's axis of rotation is chosen as the reference frame. An alternative theory using the ether as an absolute reference frame also predicts the same results, but with the added factor of a tiny sidereal fluctuation caused by the Earth's rotation. It is unclear if this effect has been detected.
  • #1
wisp
179
0
In 1971, Hafele and Keating made airline flights around the world to test the effect of time dilation on moving atomic clocks. Although special relativity's predictions and the results of the experiment agree reasonably well, it does not give a reason why it only works if the line through the Earth's axis of rotation is chosen as its reference frame. And it gives no reason why this causes a real physical change in the actual times of the atomic clocks.

It is possible to use an ether theory to model the dilation effects using the ether as an absolute reference frame. Its predictions match those of special relativity, but it predicts that atomic clocks on the Earth are affected by a tiny sidereal fluctuation of around 0.7nS at the equator, and it goes to zero at the poles. This is caused by the rotation of the Earth altering the absolute speed at which the clocks move relative to the ether flow.

Does anyone know if this effect has been detected?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I have two questions about that. How fast where the planes moving (relitive to the air bace) and what is the exact diference between the ground and air clock, and
 
  • #3
wisp said:
Although special relativity's predictions and the results of the experiment agree reasonably well, it does not give a reason why it only works if the line through the Earth's axis of rotation is chosen as its reference frame.
It works regardless of what reference frame you choose. General relativity doesn't even require that you use an inertial frame.

wisp said:
It is possible to use an ether theory to model the dilation effects using the ether as an absolute reference frame. Its predictions match those of special relativity, but it predicts that atomic clocks on the Earth are affected by a tiny sidereal fluctuation of around 0.7nS at the equator, and it goes to zero at the poles. This is caused by the rotation of the Earth altering the absolute speed at which the clocks move relative to the ether flow.

Does anyone know if this effect has been detected?
This probably falls under PF's prohibition on overly speculative posts: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=5374
 
  • #4
Five year old thread witha banned OP...locked.
 

FAQ: Does the Ether Theory Explain Sidereal Fluctuations in Atomic Clocks?

What is the Hafele-Keating Experiment?

The Hafele-Keating Experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in 1971 to test the effects of time dilation on moving objects, as predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity.

What was the purpose of the Hafele-Keating Experiment?

The purpose of the Hafele-Keating Experiment was to provide empirical evidence for the time dilation effect predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity, and to test the accuracy of the theory.

How was the Hafele-Keating Experiment conducted?

The experiment involved flying four atomic clocks on commercial airliners in opposite directions around the world, and then comparing the time readings of these clocks with a stationary atomic clock at the US Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.

What were the results of the Hafele-Keating Experiment?

The results of the experiment showed that the moving clocks experienced a small but measurable difference in time compared to the stationary clock, supporting the theory of time dilation predicted by relativity.

Why is the Hafele-Keating Experiment significant?

The Hafele-Keating Experiment provided strong evidence for the time dilation effect predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity, and has since been replicated and confirmed by numerous other experiments. It also has important implications for our understanding of time, space, and the laws of physics.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
58
Views
4K
Replies
23
Views
2K
Replies
44
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Back
Top