The Physical Interpretation of Special Relativity -a Vindication of Hendrik Lorentz

Abstract

Abstract Modern astronomy has revealed the existence of a cosmologically-based fundamental reference frame associated with the distribution of matter in our universe. The existence of such a frame offers a firm basis to H. A. Lorentz's approach to the understanding of the relativistic effects associated with the transformation named after him. Lorentz's approach and his notion of an "ether" evolved over a number of years, and it has been further refined as a result of our new view of the universe. It now provides a complete interpretation of Special Relativity based on a single assumption -that light-propagation takes place with respect to a unique, observable, fundamental reference frame. This interpretation links Einstein's theory with Lorentz's findings and so further develops our understanding of it; it also offers new insights for the better understanding of quantum and particle physics.