Testing Relativity Theory for One-way Light Propagation
Thomas E. Phipps
Keywords: Stellar aberration, special relativity, VLBI.
Classical or Bradley stellar aberration is correctly described by special relativity theory, which predicts also a second-order departure that has never been verified. We point out that the Very Long-Based Interferometry system appears now to offer sufficient resolution to allow confirmation of this truly "relativistic" aspect of starlight. The one-way nature of starlight propagation, in conjunction with the fact that most existing verifications of the special theory rest implicitly on two-way light-speed averaging, suggests the desirability of such measurements as a further independent verification of the theory.
