Mr. G. G. Stokes on the Aberration of Light.
III. On the Aberration of Light. By G. G. Stokes, M.A., Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge[1].
The general explanation of the phænomenon of aberration is so simple, and the coincidence of the value of the velocity of light thence deduced with that derived from observations of eclipses of Jupiter's satellites so remarkable, as to leave no doubt on the mind as to the truth of that explanation. But when we examine the cause of the phænomenon more closely, it is far from being so simple as it appears at first sight. On the theory of emissions, indeed, there is little difficulty; and it would seem that the more particular explanation of the cause of aberration usually given, which depends on the consideration of the motion of a telescope as light passes from its object-glass to its cross wires, has reference especially to this theory; for it does not apply to the theory of undulations, unless we make the rather startling hypothesis, that the luminiferous æther passes freely through the sides of the telescope and through the earth itself. The undulatory theory of light, however, explains so simply and so beautifully the most complicated phænomena, that we are naturally led to regard aberration as a phænomenon unexplained by it, but not incompatible with it.
The object of the present communication is to attempt an explanation of the cause of aberration which shall be in accordance with the theory of undulations. I shall suppose that the earth and planets carry a portion of the æther along with them so that the æther close to their surfaces is at rest relatively to those surfaces, while its velocity alters as we recede
- ↑ Communicated by the Author.
