The Apparent Constant Velocity of Light

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Scientific Paper
Title The Apparent Constant Velocity of Light
Author(s) Paul Marmet
Keywords Speed of Light
Published 2000
Journal None

Abstract

When we learn that the absolute velocity of light is c, we must explain: With respect to what, does light travel? For example, when we move away from a source at velocity v, how can we explain logically that these photons are reaching us at velocity c and not (c-v)? No physical description has ever been presented to explain why the moving observer actually measures the value of c instead of (c-v). The standard explanation relies on non-conventional logic such as space-time distortion. This paper explains clearly why the velocity is really (c-v), while the observer's tools always measure a velocity represented by the number c. This illusion is due to a two-way measurement of the velocity of light. The Sagnac effect and the Global Positioning System (GPS) can measure a one-way velocity of light. We show how the one-way velocity of light is measured as "c+v" and "c-v" using the GPS. All these considerations are based on mass-energy conservation, Newton physics, and conventional logic.