Proposal for combined use of parallax and lunar laser ranging for Michelson-Morley experimentation

TL;DR

This paper proposes combining parallax and lunar laser ranging techniques on astronomical scales to test the fundamental nature of light's dynamical behavior and evaluate the validity of Einstein's relativity versus alternative theories.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach using astronomical measurements to test light's dynamical transformation and the validity of relativity, bypassing earth-bound medium assumptions.

Findings

Two-way ranging times can reveal null or non-null results.

Ranging times affected by Earth's velocity could indicate deviations from relativity.

Potential ranging distance deviations up to 500 meters in specific directions.

Abstract

The null findings of the terrestrially conducted Michelson-Morley type experiments have been influential to determining which physical theory best fits reality. Here, we propose the use of parallax and ranging techniques of distance measurement for Michelson-Morley type experimentation on astronomical scales, elaborating with the earth-moon system. A motivation is the bypass of any hypothetical earth-bound medium as an explanation for the earlier null findings. When the solar system 370 kms-1 motion relative to the cosmic microwave background is taken into consideration, the higher value of receptor velocity and the longer distance sets the stage for a confrontation between Lorentzian and Galileo-Newton dynamical transformations. Two-way ranging time carries along with it information about light's dynamical transformation, thus a comparison of distance measured by ranging with that by parallax, a geometrical method can reveal the correctness of assumptions underlying the dynamical behaviour of light. Two-way ranging times unaffected by the 370 kms-1 velocity indicate null results and further buttress Einstein's relativity theory, while ranging times affected by this velocity indicate non-null results and will manifest as a general increase of ranging distance above actual geometric lunar distance, up to 500 metres in RA 11h 11.649m and 23h 11.649m coordinate directions.