The Naked Scientists
  • Login
  • Register
  • Podcasts
      • The Naked Scientists
      • eLife
      • Naked Genetics
      • Naked Astronomy
      • In short
      • Naked Neuroscience
      • Ask! The Naked Scientists
      • Question of the Week
      • Archive
      • Video
      • SUBSCRIBE to our Podcasts
  • Articles
      • Science News
      • Features
      • Interviews
      • Answers to Science Questions
  • Get Naked
      • Donate
      • Do an Experiment
      • Science Forum
      • Ask a Question
  • About
      • Meet the team
      • Our Sponsors
      • Site Map
      • Contact us

User menu

  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • Help
  • Search
  • Tags
  • Member Map
  • Recent Topics
  • Login
  • Register
  1. Naked Science Forum
  2. Non Life Sciences
  3. Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology
  4. Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« previous next »
  • Print
Pages: 1 2 [3]   Go Down

Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?

  • 54 Replies
  • 4059 Views
  • 1 Tags

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline alancalverd

  • Global Moderator
  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • ********
  • 16291
  • Activity:
    73.5%
  • Thanked: 1302 times
  • life is too short to drink instant coffee
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #40 on: 14/01/2023 18:33:07 »
Quote from: theThinker on 14/01/2023 14:01:47
Please give me some time. It is never a simple matter to win the Nobel prize.
Come off it. The equations governing wave motion in a medium are well established. All you need to state is the parameters of your aether, and why objects can fly through it with no resistance. All the maths you need to know is in any A level mechanics textbook.
Logged
helping to stem the tide of ignorance
 



Offline alancalverd

  • Global Moderator
  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • ********
  • 16291
  • Activity:
    73.5%
  • Thanked: 1302 times
  • life is too short to drink instant coffee
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #41 on: 14/01/2023 18:35:10 »
Quote from: theThinker on 14/01/2023 14:01:47
As for how come a solid body could obey Newton's first law of motion, Newton himself had no idea.
And we still don't. It's probably the greatest mystery of physics. But the law seems entirely robust.
Logged
helping to stem the tide of ignorance
 

Offline theThinker

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • 169
  • Activity:
    8%
  • Thanked: 4 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #42 on: 14/01/2023 18:44:32 »
Quote from: alancalverd on 14/01/2023 18:33:07
Quote from: theThinker on 14/01/2023 14:01:47
Please give me some time. It is never a simple matter to win the Nobel prize.
Come off it. The equations governing wave motion in a medium are well established. All you need to state is the parameters of your aether, and why objects can fly through it with no resistance. All the maths you need to know is in any A level mechanics textbook.
Your science seems to be founded on your believe that solid may move in space without expending energy only if space is "empty". I don't know how "empty"" is your empty. Such a notion comes from association with our experience in our daily life. I'm not sure it may be taken to be scientifically irrefutable.   
Logged
 

Offline Bored chemist

  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • *******
  • 29138
  • Activity:
    79.5%
  • Thanked: 1068 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #43 on: 14/01/2023 19:02:03 »
Quote from: theThinker on 14/01/2023 18:44:32
Such a notion comes from association with our experience in our daily life. I'm not sure it may be taken to be scientifically irrefutable.   
It can, provisionally, until someone refutes it.
Logged
Please disregard all previous signatures.
 

Offline alancalverd

  • Global Moderator
  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • ********
  • 16291
  • Activity:
    73.5%
  • Thanked: 1302 times
  • life is too short to drink instant coffee
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #44 on: 14/01/2023 23:54:57 »
Quote from: theThinker on 14/01/2023 18:44:32
Your science seems to be founded on your believe that solid may move in space without expending energy only if space is "empty".
No. I have no beliefs. We all observe that a solid object can  move in space without expending energy. Your job is to tell me what substance is filling that space.You say "aether". So I'm asking you to calculate the density and compressibility of that medium, given what we know about it. That is very simple mechanics.
Logged
helping to stem the tide of ignorance
 



Offline theThinker

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • 169
  • Activity:
    8%
  • Thanked: 4 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #45 on: 15/01/2023 14:14:47 »
Quote from: alancalverd on 14/01/2023 23:54:57
Quote from: theThinker on 14/01/2023 18:44:32
Your science seems to be founded on your believe that solid may move in space without expending energy only if space is "empty".
No. I have no beliefs. We all observe that a solid object can  move in space without expending energy. Your job is to tell me what substance is filling that space.You say "aether". So I'm asking you to calculate the density and compressibility of that medium, given what we know about it. That is very simple mechanics.
You are making assumptions that are not scientifically acceptable. Your argument is that if aether is the medium of transmission of light, then we should be able to show some properties of the aether similar to waves in medium in general. But the medium you are familiar with are solid, liquid and gas which are material medium made of atoms. You cannot assume the aether medium has to be made of your familiar matter.

Let's talk about EM radiations. Those below x-ray/gamma frequencies come from energies of the orbital electrons of atoms. Gamma rays, on the other hand, are not generated from the energy change of orbital electrons of atoms, but from the strong forces within the nucleus of atoms. So you cannot make sweeping generalization of EM waves and assume it applies to all EM waves.

So to have a full aether theory, we may need new breakthrough in physics. It is for this reason no one has yet found a full aether theory. We cannot yet say "The aether is dead".
Logged
 

Offline Bored chemist

  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • *******
  • 29138
  • Activity:
    79.5%
  • Thanked: 1068 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #46 on: 15/01/2023 14:24:28 »
Quote from: theThinker on 15/01/2023 14:14:47
So you cannot make sweeping generalization of EM waves and assume it applies to all EM waves.
In principle, I can doppler shift a gamma ray and make it into a radio wave or vice versa.
So the difference is just a matter of point of view.
Since observed reality must be consistent, the behaviour of all EM radiation must be consistent.

Why did you not already know that?
Logged
Please disregard all previous signatures.
 

Offline theThinker

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • 169
  • Activity:
    8%
  • Thanked: 4 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #47 on: 15/01/2023 14:35:46 »
Quote from: Bored chemist on 15/01/2023 14:24:28
Quote from: theThinker on 15/01/2023 14:14:47
So you cannot make sweeping generalization of EM waves and assume it applies to all EM waves.
In principle, I can doppler shift a gamma ray and make it into a radio wave or vice versa.
So the difference is just a matter of point of view.
Since observed reality must be consistent, the behaviour of all EM radiation must be consistent.

Why did you not already know that?

Thanks. "point of views" meaning opinion.

By the way, Doppler shift is advanced physics for me; e.g. In Somalia, they don't usually get involve with such advanced topics. They don't study physics and make guns. They buy them.
Logged
 

Offline alancalverd

  • Global Moderator
  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • ********
  • 16291
  • Activity:
    73.5%
  • Thanked: 1302 times
  • life is too short to drink instant coffee
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #48 on: 15/01/2023 14:42:57 »
Quote from: theThinker on 15/01/2023 14:14:47
You are making assumptions that are not scientifically acceptable.
I have made no assumptions.  You have assumes the presence of an aether but are unable to state what it does, which is beyond unscientific and verging on the fraudulent, like religion. I do not deal with frauds and conmen, so tread carefully.

Quote from: theThinker on 15/01/2023 14:14:47
Those below x-ray/gamma frequencies come from energies of the orbital electrons of atoms.
Sloppy and untrue.

Since physics underpins the curriculum in at least two Somali universities I think you owe the entire nation an apology for your blatant untruth. Begone, liar.
« Last Edit: 15/01/2023 14:52:14 by alancalverd »
Logged
helping to stem the tide of ignorance
 



Offline theThinker

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • 169
  • Activity:
    8%
  • Thanked: 4 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #49 on: 15/01/2023 15:28:09 »
From the contents of posts made by some members here, I do understand that they have worked as qualified scientists - physicists, engineers - and they do possess good knowledge in their respective fields, knowledge acquired through years of studies.
Logged
 

Offline hamdani yusuf

  • Naked Science Forum King!
  • ******
  • 6038
  • Activity:
    47%
  • Thanked: 227 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #50 on: 15/01/2023 17:10:37 »
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aether_(classical_element)

Quote
With the 18th century physics developments, physical models known as "aether theories" made use of a similar concept for the explanation of the propagation of electromagnetic and gravitational forces. As early as the 1670s, Newton used the idea of aether to help match observations to strict mechanical rules of his physics.[18][a] The early modern aether had little in common with the aether of classical elements from which the name was borrowed. These aether theories are considered to be scientifically obsolete, as the development of special relativity showed that Maxwell's equations do not require the aether for the transmission of these forces. Einstein noted that his own model which replaced these theories could itself be thought of as an aether, as it implied that the empty space between objects had its own physical properties.[20]

Despite the early modern aether models being superseded by general relativity, occasionally some physicists have attempted to reintroduce the concept of aether in an attempt to address perceived deficiencies in current physical models.[21] One proposed model of dark energy has been named "quintessence" by its proponents, in honor of the classical element.[22] This idea relates to the hypothetical form of dark energy postulated as an explanation of observations of an accelerating universe. It has also been called a fifth fundamental force.

Aether and light
Edit
Main article: Luminiferous aether
The motion of light was a long-standing investigation in physics for hundreds of years before the 20th century. The use of aether to describe this motion was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, including a theory proposed by Johann II Bernoulli, who was recognized in 1736 with the prize of the French Academy. In his theory, all space is permeated by aether containing "excessively small whirlpools". These whirlpools allow for aether to have a certain elasticity, transmitting vibrations from the corpuscular packets of light as they travel through.[23]

This theory of luminiferous aether would influence the wave theory of light proposed by Christiaan Huygens, in which light traveled in the form of longitudinal waves via an "omnipresent, perfectly elastic medium having zero density, called aether". At the time, it was thought that in order for light to travel through a vacuum, there must have been a medium filling the void through which it could propagate, as sound through air or ripples in a pool. Later, when it was proved that the nature of light wave is transverse instead of longitudinal, Huygens' theory was replaced by subsequent theories proposed by Maxwell, Einstein and de Broglie, which rejected the existence and necessity of aether to explain the various optical phenomena. These theories were supported by the results of the Michelson–Morley experiment in which evidence for the motion of aether was conclusively absent.[24] The results of the experiment influenced many physicists of the time and contributed to the eventual development of Einstein's theory of special relativity.[25]
To answer the OP question, we need to understand why the concept of aether was introduced/needed in the first place. What problem was it purported to solve?  What prevented earlier scientists from explaining light without aether?
As the saying goes, we don't know what we've got till it's gone.
Logged
Unexpected results come from false assumptions.
 

Offline Kryptid

  • Global Moderator
  • Naked Science Forum King!
  • ********
  • 7677
  • Activity:
    9%
  • Thanked: 463 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #51 on: 15/01/2023 17:45:05 »
Quote from: theThinker on 15/01/2023 14:35:46
Thanks. "point of views" meaning opinion.

That's not what Bored Chemist meant. He's talking about different reference frames. Whether one detects a radio wave or a gamma ray depends on one's velocity relative to the source that emitted the photon.
Logged
 

Offline Colin2B

  • Global Moderator
  • Naked Science Forum King!
  • ********
  • 6481
  • Activity:
    3%
  • Thanked: 704 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #52 on: 15/01/2023 23:20:56 »
Quote from: theThinker on 15/01/2023 14:35:46
By the way, Doppler shift is advanced physics for me;
I’m surprised. Doppler shift is secondary school physics here, basic science.
Logged
and the misguided shall lead the gullible,
the feebleminded have inherited the earth.
 



Offline Bored chemist

  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • *******
  • 29138
  • Activity:
    79.5%
  • Thanked: 1068 times
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #53 on: 16/01/2023 08:51:50 »
Quote from: theThinker on 15/01/2023 14:35:46
Thanks. "point of views" meaning opinion.
No, and misrepresenting it doesn't help.
Quote from: theThinker on 15/01/2023 14:35:46
By the way, Doppler shift is advanced physics for me
Then start by learning the basics before you try to tell the experts that they are wrong.
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Logged
Please disregard all previous signatures.
 

Offline alancalverd

  • Global Moderator
  • Naked Science Forum GOD!
  • ********
  • 16291
  • Activity:
    73.5%
  • Thanked: 1302 times
  • life is too short to drink instant coffee
    • View Profile
Re: Why does "aether" still haunt alt science?
« Reply #54 on: 16/01/2023 09:03:58 »
Doppler shift is common observation, not advanced physics. AFAIK there are noisy, moving objects in Somalia.
Logged
helping to stem the tide of ignorance
 



  • Print
Pages: 1 2 [3]   Go Up
« previous next »
Tags: aether 
 

Similar topics (5)

Simple Motor - Homopolar motor - Kitchen Science

Started by thedocBoard Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology

Replies: 0
Views: 7048
Last post 24/11/2016 23:55:16
by thedoc
Discuss: British Science Festival 2013: Ugly Animal Preservation Society

Started by thedocBoard Physiology & Medicine

Replies: 0
Views: 4757
Last post 13/09/2013 17:47:56
by thedoc
How is the science of captive marine biology affecting natural coral reefs?

Started by blobsterBoard General Science

Replies: 4
Views: 6029
Last post 21/11/2009 15:48:08
by blobster
Examples of weird, amusing, or ambiguous headlines/article titles in science.

Started by damoclesBoard That CAN'T be true!

Replies: 2
Views: 8183
Last post 01/03/2012 21:08:55
by damocles
Discuss: British Science Festival 2013: Ceri Brenner, Lasers

Started by thedocBoard Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology

Replies: 0
Views: 4471
Last post 10/09/2013 21:46:11
by thedoc
There was an error while thanking
Thanking...
  • SMF 2.0.15 | SMF © 2017, Simple Machines
    Privacy Policy
    SMFAds for Free Forums
  • Naked Science Forum ©

Page created in 0.277 seconds with 65 queries.

  • Podcasts
  • Articles
  • Get Naked
  • About
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe to newsletter
  • We love feedback

Follow us

cambridge_logo_footer.png

©The Naked Scientists® 2000–2017 | The Naked Scientists® and Naked Science® are registered trademarks created by Dr Chris Smith. Information presented on this website is the opinion of the individual contributors and does not reflect the general views of the administrators, editors, moderators, sponsors, Cambridge University or the public at large.