Some more thoughts on "Gravitation":

Lately, a few people have asked me how I would describe the 'force' that is supposed to exist between our sun and Sirius, given my assertion that our solar system is in orbit with the Sirius system?

Before I will try to answer this question it should be noted that Einstein's theory of non-linear gravitation is a proven scientific fact. Therefore, I strongly believe that it would be a mistake to describe the force of gravitation in space solely as a linear function and to assume that it is a direct attraction of masses. According to Einstein, matter 'bends' space, or as I see it: Any given mass tends to create a 'lower point' in its region of space.

I think to better understand the 'mysterious' force of gravity a further aspect of space needs to be addressed, namely the vacuum. I am referring in particular to the enormous energy density of the vacuum of about 10E94 g /cm3 (according to J.A. Wheeler) and its still underestimated influence on matter in the universe. Such an energy density seems to be incomprehensible to our intellect, since it is already difficult to imagine the density of the most compact matter known to us, namely that of a neutron star, which is about 10E14 g/cm3. In other words, just one cubic centimeter of such neutron matter would weight 100 million tons on Earth. Perhaps the idea of 'bend space' or 'lower points in regions of space' will make more sense, if we look at the formation of a hurricane. A vacuum or rather a difference in air pressure exists between the eye or the 'lower point' and the outer regions of the hurricane, causing a very turbulent movement of air molecules, especially in the outer regions. The entire system can have a radius of several hundred kilometers with sustained wind velocities of more than 200 km/h at its edge as it moves towards lower areas or regions of pressure. Galaxies rotating around their centers, while moving around larger centers in the universe remind us of a hurricane. Similar to the turbulent air molecules far away from the 'governing' center of the hurricane, we can visualize how within a galaxy, planets not only orbit their suns, but entire solar systems revolve around other star systems.

For instance, we know that the Procyon system is about 10.3 light-years away from our solar system. It is quite possible that this system is also in orbit with the Sirius system, given that its distance is about 4.5 light-years from the Sirius system. This fact would imply that its orbital radius is about halfway between our sun and Sirius. Both of these double star systems have a combined mass of roughly 5 solar masses. Certainly, these masses create a significant bending of a region of space that could reach as far as to our solar system. Based on scientific observations and meridian time-measurements of Sirius, it can be assumed that our solar system lies in the 'outskirts' of such a 'lower region' of space, while revolving around it.

Maybe if Johannes Kepler would have had our modern precise instruments and atomic clocks during his lifetime, he might have completed the formulation of his laws. While trying to explain the empty focal point of the elliptic orbits of planets, he could have contemplated the possibility that a distant star may determine this crucial second focal point. The question is whether or not the 'lower' region of space of the Sirius system can cause the elliptic orbits of our planets, considering the fact that earth's perihelion occurs on January 2 as the earth crosses the imaginary line between our sun and Sirius? The revolution of Sirius B and Sirius A around their common center of gravity proceeds in an almost vertical plane relative to the planetary plane of our solar system. Such a motion could create a 'pulsating bending' of space during a cycle of 49.68 years. Not only would this particular motion of the Sirius system keep the planets of our solar system in their exact orbits, but it would also cause their revolution periods to be constant. In other words, the orbital motion of the Sirius system may act like the pendulum of a clock mechanism. It requires further study to see if the 49 year cycle of the Sirius system can provide us with an explanation of the large fluctuations and annual irregularities in earth's rate of rotation that have been observed around 1941 by experts at the US Naval Observatory. I note that these large fluctuations also occurred again around 1990.

It was Newton who wrote at the end of the book of Principles, "All these very regular movements (of planets and satellites in the same direction, almost in the same plane and in almost circular orbits) have no mechanical cause, since the comets move in all parts of the sky and in very eccentric orbits." And at the end of his Optics he says, "A blind destiny could never make the planets to move in this manner, save for some hardly noticeable irregularities that could stem from the action of planets and comets upon another, irregularities which will probably increase after a long period of time, until at last this system need be ordered anew by its author."

Is there more order in the universe than modern science cares to admit?

Karl-Heinz Homann