Cosmology versus relativity?The reference frame paradox

Abstract

Two separate astronomical observations point to the existence of a preferred reference frame for the description of cosmological phenomena and laws. However, the existence of such a preferred frame appears to contradict the principle of relativity. It is suggested that if we assume a hypothesis of McCrea, we can define a fundamental cosmological reference frame for energy propagation. In respect to all other reference frames, energy propagation will then not be isotropic. This anisotropy must affect the fields and the physical properties of material bodies associated with these “moving” frames, leading directly to the Fitzgerald contraction, time dilatation, and other anisotropy effects. The interaction of these interrelated absolute and observational effects renders all inertial observers Lorentz-equivalent such that the measured velocity of light appears identical with respect to all inertial systems; special relativity emerges as a fully intelligible theory, consistent with an observational cosmological reference frame. The result may be considered as a consequence of a generalized action-reaction law, and may also affect perturbation theory, relativistic thermodynamics, and quantum theory.