Theory Quote by John D. Barrow
““Fitzgerald had noticed that if this sqrt(I-v^2/c^2) correction factor was applied to the analysis of Michelson's apparatus fixed on the earth's surface as it moved around the Sun, it could explain why Michelson measured no effect from the ether. The arm of the interferometer contracts by a factor sqrt(I-v^2/c^2) in the direction of its motion through the ether at a speed v. At an orbital speed of 29 kilometers per second this results in a contraction of only one part in 200,000,000 in the direction of the Earth's orbital motion. The length of the arm perpendicular to the ether's motion is unaffected. This small contraction effect exactly counterbalances the time delay expected from the presence of a stationary ether. If the Fitzgerald-Lorentz contraction occurred then it allowed the existence of a stationary ether to be reconciled with the null result of the Michelson-Morley experiment. Space need not be empty after all.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Constants of Nature, 2003
The Fitzgerald‑Lorentz contraction explains why Michelson‑Morley found no ether drift, reconciling a stationary ether with observed null results.
In simple terms: A tiny contraction cancels expected ether effects, matching experiments.
Key Takeaway
Consider relativistic effects in measurements.
Themes
physics
relativity
history of science
Mood
intrigued
analytical
Type
educational
historical
When to use this quote
- physics lectures
- science museums
- academic discussions
Key Concepts
Lorentz contraction
ether theory
experimental validation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this tell us about scientific theory evolution?
- How do small effects shape big conclusions?
A Different Perspective
Complex to grasp without background.
![“They say much about the Einstein's theory now. According to Einstein the ether does not exist and many people agree with him. But it is a mistake in my opinion. Ether's opponents refer to the experiments of Maykelson - Morli [Michelson-Morley] who made attempts to detect the Earth's movement…” quote by Nikola Tesla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/226/nikola-tesla-1383_achieve_they-say-much-about-the-einstein-s-theor_715288.jpg)
![“The supposed astronomical proofs of the theory [of relativity], as cited and claimed by Einstein, do not exist. He is a confusionist. The Einstein theory is a fallacy. The theory that ether does not exist, and that gravity is not a force but a property of space can only be described as a crazy…” quote by Charles Lane Poor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/925/charles-lane-poor-107122_age_the-supposed-astronomical-proofs-of-the_2110797.jpg)
![“There is talk of a new astrologer [Nicolaus Copernicus] who wants to prove that the earth moves and goes around instead of the sky, the sun, the moon, just as if somebody were moving in a carriage or ship might hold that he was sitting still and at rest while the earth and the trees walked and…” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a0c/martin-luther-106_astronomy_there-is-talk-of-a-new-astrologer-nicola_561153.jpg)
