Why Edward Morley Didn’t Win the Nobel Prize in Physics

In 1887, two scientists met to discuss an experiment aiming to measure the motion of the ＂ether,＂ a substance presumed to exist everywhere in space. Their result suggested the velocity of the ＂ether＂ was zero, sparking debates in the scientific community. Albert Michelson, a renowned physicist, believed the experiment failed to measure correctly, as he firmly held that the velocity of light through ether was constant. On the other hand, Edward Morley, a Professor of Chemistry, maintained that the experiment was meticulously conducted and the results accurate. The scientific community proposed various interpretations, including experimental error or the non-existence of the ether. Despite the unexpected outcome, the findings were published, influencing the work of other physicists. Michelson continued his research until his passing in 1931, while Morley persisted in refining the experiment, eventually concluding that the speed of light was infinite. Morley’s contributions, although significant, were often overshadowed, as he focused on scientific rigor rather than seeking recognition.