The Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) was developed by NASA to measure the “diffuse infrared and microwave radiation from the early universe.” As a result of NASA’s findings, some researchers have suggested that the earth could be moving through a background ether at a velocity of approximately 365 km/s. Based on this suggestion, researchers such as R. Cahill have concluded that the Michelson-Morley experiment should detect this higher value.
My analysis reveals that Michelson-Morley did not apply the accepted superposition of waves principle in their analysis. This finding, when combined with the finding of their comparing actual results for 22.5 degree rotations of the Interferometer with expected results for 90 degree rotations, explains why their actual result were closer to 5 to 8 km/s. After addressing these specific points, a reanalysis of the Michelson-Morley data reveals their detection of approximately 30 km/s, which is the commonly accepted expected result for the Michelson-Morley experiment.
I am not familiar enough with COBE to state whether I agree with Cahill’s revised Michelson-Morley expected result. However, Cahill and I both conclude that the Michelson-Morley experiment reveals an underlying ether.
