Can biophysics tell us something about the weak equivalence principle vis a vis the thought experiment of Einstein involving human subjects?

• Published in: BioSystems Vol. 97; no. 2; pp. 103 - 107
• Main Author: Thaheld, Fred H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.08.2009
• Subjects: Acceleration; ALTEA; Astronauts; Biophysics - methods; Cosmic Radiation; Cosmic rays; Gravitational field; Heavy Ions; Humans; Light; Light flashes; Phosphenes; Phosphenes - physiology; Photons; Quantum Theory; Radiometry; Retina; Retina - physiology; Retina - radiation effects; Silicon; Space Flight; Space Simulation; Systems Theory; Uniform motion; Weak equivalence principle; ALTEA; Gravitational field; Retina; Weak equivalence principle; Uniform motion; Acceleration; Light flashes; Phosphenes; Cosmic rays
• ISSN: 0303-2647; 1872-8324; 1872-8324
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2009.04.009

Over a period of several decades it has been noticed that most astronauts, either orbiting the earth or on trips to the moon, have observed phosphenes or light flashes (LF) including streaks, spots and clouds of light when their eyes are closed or they are in a darkened cabin. Scientists suspect that two separate components of cosmic rays cause these flashes due to direct interaction with the retina. This phenomenon is not noticed on the ground because of cosmic ray interaction with the atmosphere. The argument is advanced that this effect may provide us with a new method of exploring the weak equivalence principle from the standpoint of Einstein's original thought experiment involving human subjects. This can be done, utilizing the retina only, as an animate quantum mechanical measuring device or, in conjunction with the Anomalous Long Term Effects on Astronauts (ALTEA) facility.