A review of conventional explanations of anomalous observations during solar eclipses
Abstract
Description
Conventional explanations for observations of anomalous behaviour of mechanical systems during solar eclipses are critically reviewed. These observations include the work of Allais with paraconical pendula, those of Saxl and Allen with a torsion pendulum and measurements with gravimeters. Attempts of replications of these experiments and recent gravimeter results are discussed and unpublished data by Latham and by Saxl et al. is presented. Some of the data are summarized and re-analyzed. Especially, attention is paid to observations of tilt of the vertical, which seems to play an important role in this matter and recommendations for future research are given. It is concluded that all the proposed conventional explanations either qualitatively or quantitatively fail to explain the observations.
12 pages, 7 figures. Version 3: Some additions, a correction, a few references added. A shorter version of this article will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Version 4: Section about geomagnetic changes added, Conclusions section slightly modified. V. 5: Correction of wrong unit in Section 2.5
12 pages, 7 figures. Version 3: Some additions, a correction, a few references added. A shorter version of this article will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Version 4: Section about geomagnetic changes added, Conclusions section slightly modified. V. 5: Correction of wrong unit in Section 2.5