From: Harry Veeder > It would be simpler (but declared laughable ) to explain > it by saying the _inertia_ of a body is a function of _where_ > it is.
> Thus the stars on the outer edges of the galaxy do not fly off > because of more than expected gravity, but because of less than > expected inertia. > In other words Newton was right about gravity, but wrong about > inertia. > Harry see: http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/396551/scotland_is_the_centre_of_a_gravity_revolution/index.html?source=r_space or http://tinyurl.com/mqlut This is a fascinating read. I wonder what kind of experiments they might devise to test this theory out. BTW, Certain visionary science fiction authors may have already sensed that something like this may actually be occurring and that a change in "inertia" might be an integral part of the fabric of space. The best novel I can think of that explores this possibility is by the famous SF writer Verner Vinge, "A Fire Upon the Deep" where Verner sets up the laws of physics in such a way that Faster Than Light (FTL) travel can only occur in the outer portions of the galaxy. If a FTL ship wanders too close to the galactic core it will get ensnared in a denser time/space continuum that essentially makes interstellar travel impossible. Verner's physics in many ways reminds me of a change in "inertia" as inferred by Dr Zhao and Dr. Famaey. Going even more Off Topic, Verner's novel, "Fire Upon the Deep" also explored a fascinating form of high intelligence where it takes several members of the species operating in physical close proximity with each other in order to function as a single intelligent self-conscious entity. If any of the individual members wanders too far away from the "pack" it will revert back to a more primitive non-sentient state of consciousness. Verner's got a lot of interesting ideas. Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
