FAQ/Pendulum: Difference between revisions

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Many people have questioned his results: why should the eclipse affect a pendulum indoors in any way? Many subsequent experiments have taken place since, with mixed results: some experimenters have found no measurable effect, but slightly more have confirmed the result from several different locations, including an underground laboratory.

During this year's eclipse in August, [[Agencies/NASA|NASA]] and other groups attempted a range of experiments to finally confirm or deny the result. Their conclusions are still awaited, ~~though at PASS Maths we have already heard that~~ one laboratory in Austria replicated the effect. If it is shown that the effect really is a true one, and not the result of widespread experimental errors, then the search will be on for an explanation.

During this year's eclipse in August, [[Agencies/NASA|NASA]] and other groups attempted a range of experiments to finally confirm or deny the result. Their conclusions are still awaited, although one laboratory in Austria already replicated the effect. If it is shown that the effect really is a true one, and not the result of widespread experimental errors, then the search will be on for an explanation.

At the moment it is a true mystery: nobody has any real idea what the cause might be. Some suggestions have included gravitational waves, solar radiation, and the anisotropy of space (the fact that space is different in different directions). All of these physical phenomena are governed by highly complex mathematical models, and unraveling the mystery will take the combined efforts of mathematicians, physicists and astronomers! (However, that will never happen because: They'll never admit the earth doesn't actually spin)