Yet, anyone with a computer and orbit computation or numerical integration software can verify the consequences of introducing a delay into gravitational interactions. The effect on computed orbits is usually disastrous because conservation of angular momentum is destroyed. Expressed less technically by Sir Arthur Eddington, this means: “If the Sun attracts Jupiter towards its present position S, and Jupiter attracts the Sun towards its present position J, the two forces are in the same line and balance. But if the Sun attracts Jupiter toward its previous position S’, and Jupiter attracts the Sun towards its previous position J’, when the force of attraction started out to cross the gulf, then the two forces give a couple. This couple will tend to increase the angular momentum of the system, and, acting cumulatively, will soon cause an appreciable change of period, disagreeing with observations if the speed is at all comparable with that of light.” (Eddington, 1920After reading this article, I am going to re-explore Bill's Rope Theory. I recall it elucidating the instantaneous effect of gravity, whilst also adhering to the results of all known experiments, even gravitational lensing. Does anyone here have sufficient familiarity with Bill's rope theory to elaborate on how the ropes pull stronger as two distinct masses approach each other?
Apparently I cannot link the source in any conceivable manner that would be intelligible because of my new account restrictions.
The author of the article (from which I quoted) is Tom Van Flandern, the article comes from Physics Letters A.