Introduction
The speed of electromagnetic (EM) energy, commonly referred to as the speed of light, is a topic that has fascinated physicists throughout history. It is often considered a universal speed limit, relevant not only to the propagation of light waves but also to various phenomena involving EM energy. Traditionally, ‘c’ has been considered a universal speed limit, relevant not only to the propagation of light waves but also to various phenomena involving EM energy.
History
Galileo Galilei: In the early 17th century, Galileo attempted to measure the speed of light by using lantern signals and mirrors. Although his methods were rudimentary and his results inconclusive, his endeavors laid the groundwork for future investigations into the nature of light propagation.
Ole Rømer: In 1676, the Danish astronomer Ole Rømer made a significant breakthrough by observing the moons of Jupiter. By noting discrepancies in the timing of their eclipses, Rømer inferred that light travels at a finite speed, rather than instantaneously, as previously believed. His calculations provided an early estimate of the speed of light.
James Clerk Maxwell: Maxwell’s Equations (19th century) unified electricity and magnetism, with one equation describing EM wave propagation and establishing a link between c, permittivity (ε0), and permeability (μ0) of free space (c = 1/√ε0μ0).
Albert Einstein (1905): Built upon Maxwell’s work and introduced the theory of special relativity, which postulated the constancy of the speed of light in all inertial frames of reference. However, subsequent experiments and observations suggest a more nuanced picture, particularly in the context of different mediums and gravitational fields.
A new paradigm
Recent discoveries challenge traditional notions of a constant speed of light:
Dependence on Impedance: If the speed of light is contingent on the impedance (Z₀) at the measuring point, it implies that time remains constant while the speed of energy fluctuates. This perspective offers a novel explanation for phenomena like light bending and gravitational lensing.
Slope Analogy: Analogizing energy propagation to skiers sliding down a mountain slope offers a vivid metaphor for understanding the dynamics of energy transfer. In this example, the skiers are limited in their speed by the angle of the slope and the friction of their skies on the surface of the snow. With EM energy, the slope is tilted by the ε0 and μ0 values creating a gradient in the impedance of space. Likewise, the “friction” is determined by these same parameters, which govern the speed (c) through their influence on the resistance experienced by the moving electromagnetic flux. This analogy effectively illustrates the interplay between force (gravity pulling the skiers down) and friction (affecting their speed) in energy transmission.
Variable Parameters: The parameters of permeability and permittivity, which determine the speed of light, are variables dependent on the density of space constituents. This variability underscores the dynamic nature of space and challenges the notion of fixed constants in physics.
Role of Charge: The mass of a charge influences its acceleration, suggesting a connection between charge dynamics and energy propagation. Understanding this interplay opens new avenues for exploration.
Concept of c²: The concept of c² arises from Maxwell’s quest for a vector representation of the speed of light, reflecting the composite nature of time and distance in energy propagation. This concept challenges traditional notions of space-time geometry and prompts a reconsideration of fundamental frameworks.
Support for this idea
Maxwell’s Insights and Challenges to Constant-Speed Narrative: Maxwell’s insight on ε0 and μ0 as regulators of speed challenges the constant-speed narrative. Engineers tune circuits using these, why not space? Not one scientific proof confirms constant light speed. Charge, a force without temporal constraints, suggests instantaneous effects. Elevations and atmospheric factors influencing speed measurements hint at a nuanced speed of light.
Einstein’s Convention and Pound-Rebka Observation: Einstein’s convention defines the constant speed of light, yet it’s a notion never truly measured and deemed impossible to assess. Even Einstein recognized the limitations of his postulates using this assumption. Recent observations, such as the Pound-Rebka experiment, suggest variations influenced by the medium’s impedance. This doesn’t champion general relativity; it shows that the speed of light is subject to gravity, opening doors for alternative theories.
Controlled Medium and Speed Zones: It could be the speed of energy within a controlled medium, akin to a school speed zone. Energy outside this zone behaves differently, influenced by acceleration or deceleration—gravity’s force. Observers in a different ε0μ0 frame will see energy at a speed dictated by the impedance at their point within that frame.
Wave Resonance Constant and Variation of ε0 and μ0
Introducing a new value for ε0 and μ0 based on the ratio μ0/ε0, also known as the Wave Resonance Constant, provides additional depth to the discussion and offers insights into the electromagnetic properties of different environments.
The Wave Resonance Constant, represented by the ratio μ0/ε0 when wave energy is resonant (90 degrees), or when the impedance of space (Z0) 376.7305185 Ohms, plays a crucial role in understanding the electromagnetic characteristics of different environments. This constant, approximately equal to 141925.883602187, reflects the intricate balance between permeability (μ0) and permittivity (ε0) in determining the speed of light and electromagnetic wave propagation.
As the distance from the Earth’s surface towards empty space increases, the values of ε0 and μ0 undergo variation, influenced by factors such as gravitational forces and environmental conditions. These variations result in changes in the Wave Resonance Constant, offering valuable insights into the electromagnetic properties of diverse spatial contexts.
To visualize this relationship and track the progression of values at various distances from the Earth towards empty space, a spreadsheet can be created to illustrate the dynamic nature of ε0, μ0, and their ratio over different spatial scales. This tool enables a comprehensive exploration of how electromagnetic phenomena evolve in different environments and enhances our understanding of the underlying principles governing wave propagation and energy transmission.
Dynamic Relationship between Speed of Light and Gravitational Constant
The speed of light (c) exhibits a dynamic relationship with the gravitational constant (G), reflecting the influence of gravitational forces on electromagnetic phenomena. This relationship is captured by the equation g1 = g (1 – 2h/R), where g1 represents the gravitational acceleration at a given altitude (h), g is the gravitational acceleration at the Earth’s surface, and R denotes the Earth’s radius.
As altitude increases from the Earth’s surface towards empty space, the gravitational acceleration experienced by electromagnetic waves undergoes variation, leading to corresponding changes in the speed of light. This dynamic interplay underscores the need for establishing a Standard Earth Electromagnetic Parameter (SEEP) for precise measurement of fundamental constants such as the speed of light and ε0 or μ0.
Baseline Speed of Light in Free Space
SI Units at Surface Environment: The values of SI units, including those related to the speed of energy, are typically defined based on measurements conducted at the surface of the Earth. Just as chemical reactions are referenced to standard temperature and pressure (STP), these measurements capture the prevailing conditions of our terrestrial environment. It’s worth noting that the current speed of “c” (energy) has only been measured in a closed-course setting, presenting limitations in extrapolating its behavior across different environments.
The baseline speed of light in free space, denoted as cfs, is a fundamental concept in understanding the variations in the speed of light across different environments. It represents the speed of light in the far reaches of deep void space, where the influence of gravitational forces is minimal.
Based on the Pound-Rebka experiment. the calculation for cfs is derived from the difference between the speed of light as measured on Earth’s surface at sea level (cmsl) and the gravitational constant (g):
cfs = cmsl + g
Where:
cmsl is the SI unit for the measured speed of light on Earth at sea level, approximately 299,792,458.26 m/s.
g is the gravitational acceleration, Newtons “g” often called simply standard gravity and denoted by ɡ0 or ɡn, is the nominal gravitational acceleration of an object in a vacuum near the surface of the Earth. It SI value is approximately 9.80665 m/s².
This calculation reveals that the difference in the speed of light from free space to that at the surface of the Earth is infinitesimal, approximately 1.00000003271146
Therefore, the speed of light in the far reaches of deep void space is approximately 299,792,448 m/s.
This nuanced understanding of the speed of light prompts reconsideration of fundamental constants and opens avenues for exploring the complex interplay between electromagnetic phenomena and gravitational forces.
A chart showing the relationship of the speed of energy with gravity is shown here.
Conceptual implications
The concept of a variable speed of energy (c) has profound implications:
Mediums of Propagation: Fields serve as mediums for energy storage and movement, with unique characteristics influencing c within them. Overlaying fields can increase field density and affect c
Far Field Dynamics: The far field is where energy becomes unbound from its source, manifesting as open dipoles that resonate with other energy photons. Interactions within the far field determine wave characteristics like frequency and amplitude
Charge Force Dynamics: The interplay of ε₀ and μ₀ governs charge forces, dictating the speed, direction, and efficiency of charge force transmission, which are intricately linked to the surrounding medium’s permeability and permittivity values.
Variable Speed of Energy: Evidence suggests c may vary depending on the medium’s impedance, challenging the notion of a fixed speed of light. Changes in impedance can influence wave propagation speed, and the time a medium takes to align its polarity with electron or charge flow affects this variance.
Nuanced View of Fundamental Constants: The atmosphere affects observations, mirages, and astronomical measurements. Laboratory precision may not translate to open space, demanding a nuanced view of fundamental constants. While it is likely that at some point, the speed of energy may reach a limit where it may appear constant, it is difficult to see how, in any reasonable view of space, it is throughout the entirety of space.
Aether and New Perspectives: The idea of an aether, once discarded because it did not fit with the idea that space is an empty vacuum, challenges our understanding. For years, physicists have been aware of characteristics of space related to the propagation of energy, including the ability to hold a magnetic field and a charge. These characteristics, governed by permittivity ε0 and permeability μ0, regulate the speed of light like a speed limit.
Frequency Dependence: Evidence suggests that the speed of energy may vary with frequency, as observed in phenomena like light bending with prisms. Lord Kelvin’s hypothesis on frequency-dependent speed underscores the historical evolution of electromagnetic theory and reflects ongoing debates in contemporary physics.