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{{rewrite|[[Wolfram]] has a better explanation}}

{{rewrite|[[Wolfram]] has a better explanation}}

The '''Michelson-Morley experiment''' was as important to physics as was [[Semmelweis]] and [[Pasteur]]'s research into the [[germ theory of disease]].  

The '''Michelson-Morley experiment''' was as important to physics as was [[Semmelweis]] and [[Pasteur]]'s research into the [[germ theory of disease]].  

Performed in 1887 by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley,  the experiment attempted to measure the motion of the earth through the [[aether]] and failed to do so.  This unexpected failure lead to the [[Theory of relativity]].

Performed in 1887 by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley,  the experiment attempted to measure the motion of the earth through the [[aether]] and failed to do so.  This unexpected failure lead to the [[Theory of relativity]]. Michelson got the Nobel Prize for it in 1907.

== Historical Background ==

== Historical Background ==

Scientists then faced the dilemma. They believed the earth was moving through space, but the Michelson-Morley experiment and similar experiments indicated that the earth was somehow stationery relative to the aether at all times.

Scientists then faced the dilemma. They believed the earth was moving through space, but the Michelson-Morley experiment and similar experiments indicated that the earth was somehow stationery relative to the aether at all times.

A number of theories were proposed to explain the paradox, including the idea that the aether might in some way be "dragged along" by the earth.  In the end the theory of special [[relativity]] became the accepted explanation, and the aether appeared to be unobservable.

A number of theories were proposed to explain the paradox, including the idea that the aether might in some way be "dragged along" by the earth.  George FitzGerald proposed a length contraction to explain it, as a logical consequence of the speed of light being the same for all observers. Lorentz and Poincare extended this to the theory of special [[relativity]]. That became the accepted explanation, and the aether appeared to be unobservable.

==References==

==References==