Book

This book reveals the results obtained in recent years by the author in relativistic physics.  The recently increased conviction about the conventional definition of relativistic simultaneity has opened the doors to new ideas, in spite of the fact that research has shown that simultaneity in the physical reality exists and is not at all conventional.  If the coefficient of the space variable x in the Lorentz, or other transformation of time (we call it e₁) had a convetional nature it should be possible to modify it without touching the empirical predictions of the theory.  Given that Einstein\'s principle of relativity leads necessarily to the Lorentz transformations, and thus also to a fixed value of e₁, such a modification would imply a reformation of the relativistic idea itself.  With respect to the idealized initial picture, the concrete development of research has produced some exciting novelties.  Several phenomena, in particular those taking place on accelerating systems (Sagnac effect, and all that) converge in a strong indication of the value e₁ = 0.  This implies absolute simultaneity and a new type of space and time transformations, which we call \"inertial\".  We give six proofs of absolute simultaneity, which are essentially independent of one another.  In order to make their identification easy, the six chapters in which these proofs are given have equality e₁ = 0 already in the title.  The cosmological consequences of the new structure of space and time go against the big bang model.  After our results relativism, although weakened, is not dead, but survives in milder forms.