On Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:28:16 -0600, "David G. Nagel"
wrote:

Einstein's equations use the speed of light in a vacuum, Michaelson
conducted his experiments in unstandardized air. c in air does change
and c(air) can be exceeded.

Hi David,

And thus it follows that Michaelson's "faster than light" speed is due
to the effects of the atmosphere? I would believe from the
conventions offered by Snell's law, predating this work, that all the
scientists would have been astonished at this inversion of
expectations.

But we know better. The speed of light's shift in speed would have
been far in excess of the difference found between 1926 and 1956, if
due to the presence of the atmosphere - and its effects were well
considered at the time.

No, this is simply a matter of experimental error as the range of
speed has over the years tightened. However, all of this begs the
issue why would Einstein's work (theoretical not experimental) pivot
on a number that fluctuates with time, over time? In fact it does
not, and Einstein did not confirm the speed of light, nor did his
theory preclude nor deny Cherenkov's observation of solid matter
(neutrons albeit) traveling faster than quite obvious light
(irrespective of how fast it was "defined" to travel). Einstein has
not been limited to the vagaries of observation from any experimenter
and that is his accomplishment.

73's
Richard Clark, KB7QHC