Laboratory Controls
Apparatus & Aether Setup
0.30 c
Direction fixed left-to-right across laboratory frame.
0°
Arm 1 Delay (t1)
0.00 fs
Arm 2 Delay (t2)
0.00 fs
Arrival Time Diff (Δt)
0.00 fs
Historical & Theoretical Context
Classical physics predicted light traveled through a stationary medium called the Luminiferous Aether. Earth's orbital motion was expected to create a measurable "Aether Wind", producing a shift in the interference pattern as the apparatus rotated.
Actual Result: Michelson and Morley observed no significant fringe shift (a null result). While perplexing at the time, it failed to detect the expected Aether motion and became a major stepping stone toward Einstein's Special Relativity.
Apparatus Top View (Laboratory Frame)
Aether Wind Flow ➔
Detector Interference Fringe Shift
Constructive Peak
Destructive Node
Constructive Peak
Telescope Observer View
Observer Eyepiece
Displays fringe pattern alignment relative to reticle centerline.