2007-06-05 01:54:47 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The physicists Michelson and Morley tried to measure the relative velocity of the earth with respect to ether by a Michelson interferometer.
The basic idea of the experiment was, that the observed speed of light on earth varies, because the earth is moving relative ether, which caries the light.
They failed and found the relative velocity of the earth to be zero. This lead later on to the conclusion, that the observed speed of light is independent from the motion of earth and there is nothing such as a luminiferous ether.
Their experiment - today known as the Michelson-Morley experiment - is one of the mots famous experiment in physics history.
For details follow the link.
2007-06-05 03:47:38 · answer #1 · answered by schmiso 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This refers to an interpretation of the MM experiment consistent the results which suggested that earth traps a bubble of aether around it which travels with it. I don't know what the first experiment to disprove this was. In modern times though, it would clearly show up in space probe transmission time delays. There might be apparent stellar parallax effects too.
2007-06-05 16:53:23 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no aether or ether; a constant speed of light shot that down.
2007-06-05 02:17:48 · answer #3 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋