Ether theory of gravitation: why and how?

Abstract

Gravitation might make a preferred frame appear, and with it a clear space/time separation--the latter being, a priori, needed by quantum mechanics (QM) in curved space-time. Several models of gravitation with an ether are discussed: they assume metrical effects in an heterogeneous ether and/or a Lorentz-symmetry breaking. One scalar model, starting from a semi-heuristic view of gravity as a pressure force, is detailed. It has been developed to a complete theory including continuum dynamics, cosmology, and links with electromagnetism and QM. To test the theory, an asymptotic scheme of post-Newtonian approximation has been built. That version of the theory which is discussed here predicts an internal-structure effect, even at the point-particle limit. The same might happen also in general relativity (GR) in some gauges, if one would use a similar scheme. Adjusting the equations of planetary motion on an ephemeris leaves a residual difference with it; one should adjust the equations using primary observations. The same effects on light rays are predicted as with GR, and a similar energy loss applies to binary pulsars.