The (Luminiferous) Aether was never actually proven or disproven. However, since it was posited as the medium through which everything (including light) traveled, it was impossible to get outside of the stuff to conduct measurements which would be independent for the observer. Relativity theory came along and functioned without the need for the aether, and so the use of aether was dropped by physicists. This is a broad simplification, but probably suffices for the comments section of the Sunday funnies.
Ether may be making a comeback in different guises. One such is the Higgs field which seems to have slipped in with the confirmation of the Higgs boson. If light responds to gravity which depends on mass which depends on a Higgs field, it seems possible that the Higgs field is at least related to a luminiferous ether.
(Spelling note: I don’t say aesthetics, amoeba, draught, tyre, or colour, so I’m not going to say aether either.)
Ida No over 9 years ago
But, it may need saying again.Are they aroma gerbils?
Ragtime78rpm over 9 years ago
The (Luminiferous) Aether was never actually proven or disproven. However, since it was posited as the medium through which everything (including light) traveled, it was impossible to get outside of the stuff to conduct measurements which would be independent for the observer. Relativity theory came along and functioned without the need for the aether, and so the use of aether was dropped by physicists. This is a broad simplification, but probably suffices for the comments section of the Sunday funnies.
AlnicoV over 9 years ago
Just because the screen door for submarines didn’t work…
King_Shark over 9 years ago
@ Nabuquduriuzhur Look who’s talking about silly ideas.
Aussie Down Under over 9 years ago
Dr Mel needs a blender.
Ermine Notyours over 9 years ago
Most pets are therapeutic.
kaffekup over 9 years ago
Not phlogiston! That’s my favorite scientific concept!
pschearer Premium Member over 9 years ago
Ether may be making a comeback in different guises. One such is the Higgs field which seems to have slipped in with the confirmation of the Higgs boson. If light responds to gravity which depends on mass which depends on a Higgs field, it seems possible that the Higgs field is at least related to a luminiferous ether.
(Spelling note: I don’t say aesthetics, amoeba, draught, tyre, or colour, so I’m not going to say aether either.)