The Michelson–Morley experiment was an attempt to measure the motion of the Earth relative to the luminiferous aether, a supposed medium permeating space that was thought to be the carrier of light waves. The experiment … See more

Michelson experiment (1881)
Michelson had a solution to the problem of how to construct a device sufficiently accurate to detect aether flow. In 1877, while teaching at his … See more

Although Michelson and Morley went on to different experiments after their first publication in 1887, both remained active in the field. Other versions of the experiment were … See more

• Michelson–Morley Award
• Moving magnet and conductor problem
• The Light (Glass)
• LIGO See more

Physics theories of the 19th century assumed that just as surface water waves must have a supporting substance, i.e., a "medium", to move across (in this case water), and audible sound requires a medium to transmit its wave motions (such as air or water), so … See more

Observer resting in the aether
The beam travel time in the longitudinal direction can be derived as follows: Light is sent from the source … See more

Optical tests
Optical tests of the isotropy of the speed of light became commonplace. New technologies, … See more