UNIVERSAL REALITY

A Suspect Scaffold

Concise observation of events requires a frame of reference in which space-time variables can be (repeatedly) measured with respect to the frame's coordinates, for instance to determine such physical attributes as relative motion (δs/δt) in and between it and other reference frames. Inertial objects will trace curved loci anywhere in the universe other than in an inertial reference frame that maintains an invariable spatial distance between coordinates over an arbitrary long time span. In other words such objects if not at rest will follow tangential paths through an inertial reference frame which thus makes it possible to avoid complex calculations that curved paths through non-linear space would invoke. The Euclidean limit case of Lorentz space-time geometry meets these requirements and consequently is considered the geometry of the inertial reference frame's spatial co-ordinates. An 'invariable spatial distance' between coordinates implies measurement with a (time invariable) gauge based on multiples of one spatial unit of measurement: the coordinates are linear. Accordingly, a (Lorentz) inertial reference frame is often conceived as consisting of evenly spaced scale markers and synchronised stationary clocks. However, any evidence of acceleration will mean the distortion of the reference frame's linearity undoing the invariance of its spatial and temporal coordinates and, consequently, such a frame can no longer be considered truly inertial. Unfortunately, even when in free fall toward say the earth's centre or in the voids of space, the effect of gravity from anywhere in the universe cannot be eliminated. Not only does the acceleration of earth's gravity make it an unsuitable environment for (Lorentz) reference frames, so does the weak gravity of scale markers, clocks (neither are truly time invariable) and the object(s) to be observed in the frame. Because of this limitation and since gravity abounds:

We can only approximate (Lorentz) reference frames or conjure them up as part of thought experiments set in the voids of space for a brief time, and discount any effect the observer could impart [1].

It would seem to follow from the above premises that an inertial reference frame must necessarily be local, hence, that it is not possible to conceive a universal reference frame in which to make an absolute measurement of space-time events. This central tenet of Special Relativity is certainly valid for Lorentz reference frames whose definition precludes any other conclusion. However, it does not necessarily follow in spite of contrary assumptions, that other (than Lorentz) reference frames are similarly constrained. This observation is important as Special Relativity's inertial reference frames cannot actually be constructed anywhere in the universe which, since gravity's reach is unbound, is after all not Euclidean. The introduction of General Relativity meant to address the deficiencies caused by the Euclidean geometry of Lorentz reference frames by accounting for the effects of gravity- at least on a large scale since particle physics is largely conducted in earth-bound Euclidean settings with adjustments for (known) local relativistic effects. (Both a Lorentz and a Euclidean reference frame are Euclidean, the difference is that the latter extends without bounds- in theory, but not in our universe- while a Lorentz frame is strictly local and considers a temporal co-ordinate integral to its geometry, as opposed to a Euclidean frame where time is an external parameter). Not surprisingly these dissonant approaches have not yielded theories that encompass both the macroscopic and microscopic domains of the universe. Relativity (R) theory (General and Special, including Lorentz and Euclidean geometry) can only explain some of the mostly macroscopic features of the universe, while quantum (Q) theory must be invoked to account for the many elementary physical phenomena that we discern at microscopic scales, chiefly with powerful particle accelerators and lasers. Since, we the observer completely overlap these two theories (-R + -Q), it would appear that a superset must exist that incorporates at least both sets of theories. Such a superset would be congruent with a reference frame that seamlessly applies throughout the universe; i.e. it should be universal and thus subsume Lorentz geometry. As such it should also offer the promise of permitting us to uncover the fundamental nature of the universe. Nevertheless, the apparent convenience of Lorentz and Euclidean reference frames and the premises of Relativity that led to the rejection of the concept of a universal reference frame still prejudice its reconsideration (the reason why the worlds of Lorentz space-time and Quantum physics both can be reconciled in one reference frame should become evident in the sections that follow and has been explained in a subtext linked to the final section of this presentation).

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