Well that's exactly my point.
Also you say "characterise"... when measure is the correct word.
Because we measure velocity not jut by mathematical systems but with ACTUAL mechanical systems. It's one part of science which is the most studied.
Particle Physics.
There is after all a thing/place called CERN where they are accelerating particles [VELOCITY] to discover new elements of this Universe. That's quite beyond the concept of "characterisation".
I use the word characterise because it means more than just measure, which illustrates my central thesis in this discussion: we know very little. It's probable IMHO that we grossly misunderstand cosmology in very fundamental ways today, and the measurements we make may well be wildly inaccurate as a result. Understanding the character of light is what makes it possible for us to measure interstellar distances, because we seem to have grasped the concept of spectral shift (redshift, the Doppler effect). However I have read arguments that point out flaws with our characterization of light and redshift, which involve gravity and may have merit. Characterization is more fundamental understanding which enables measurement, and that's why I use that word in this context.
I dunno. I'm not a physicist, and can't do that math. All I do know is that we sure as hell don't have it nailed down to settled science. There's a plethora of cosmological theories rational expert physicists wrangle over today, which supports my thesis. What we have learned seems like a lot, but we're tiny motes of obscene glop incapable of really grasping even the scale of what there is to know. Worse, a lot of what we think we know for sure just isn't so at all, and we're afflicted with hubris as a species, which Mark Twain noted makes it a lot easier to fool us than to convince us we've been fooled.
The difference between Newton and Einstein well illustrates the dilemma of science. Newton proved he was absolutely right, and folks were convinced his characterization of physics was settled science for centuries, but he was completely wrong in his understanding - although his measurements are still today considered close enough for government work.
OK well this is completely outside of the original point.
I DO agree with you on the fact that the mainstream science disciplines are stuck in the understanding of the greater Universe. What you state, I actually also agree with and for that, I would suggest you dive deep into Thunderbolts Project. It's actual scientists that have aligned fist with Plasma Theory to then expand on it as what is evolving as a very revolutionary way of viewing our world and correcting the many flaws of the mainstream theories.
The theory: Electric Universe.
They have a channel on youtube and have collaboration from science fields all over the world. They debunk much of the "standard model" and even predict findings long before regular science does. For example they predicted that asteroids would have landscapes, whereas NASA believed that they can only be ice bodies. NASAs own touchdown onto one revealed how wrong they were. I believe you will find it highly interesting if you aren't aware already. Their data is constantly making sense where much of the regular science fails to do so and needs much patchwork to hold up.
IMO, and in the mind of many. This is the ACTUAL TRUTH. Future mankind will expand greatly on their research and that of those that contribute and expand on it. This reflects back to your example.. that Einstein appeared at the time to have figured it all out. EU theory is the next paradigm.
Anyway, I'll let you make up your own mind.
In the final analysis, we must consider our perceptions in the light of our beliefs, and I have learned that I must wrassle my hubris in order to refrain from insisting my views are the ultimate truth. I know they cannot be, because I am fooled.
The EU is interesting, and may well transform cosmology and the technology humanity develops going forward. Sadly, I reckon humanity is about to regress technologically due to the imposition of totalitarian tyranny and repression of factual information necessary to malignant overlords to succeed in that endeavor.
I have a tight attention budget due to these constraints and exigent circumstances that threaten my life, community, and the felicity of my people. I dare not focus on fascinating cosmology while faced with the necessity of survival, particularly as I am a glacially slow thinker and mathematically incompetent to become expert at physics.
It's not sexy, but I need to learn to grow potatoes.
I appreciate your kind consideration and provision of useful information that I hope I can wrap my head around, sooner than later.
Well that's the beauty and benefit of our ability as self aware intelligent beings. We have a mind that discovers, and then discovers flaws, then discovers again and pushes (literally) for the stars.
I get your point but that's an extremist mindset. If your time is so tight then what are you doing here still. Surely you've realised by now that this place doesn't give anywhere near the rewards that those cryptoanarchist (of steemit) once celebrated as the digital freedom that could solve human issues such as poverty.
In fact this place is essentially a micro version of reality. A very small circle of winners (whales) and fools all around chasing pennies. Some great communities exist here but the truth is the truth.
That's a good segway..
Because while I agree the real world is in decay, the reality is that it's an elitist paradise. There is no devolution at the top. The strong arm in three middle, making sure of that. When it comes to existence I respect all life forms but also don't hide my view that the majority of humans are simpletons.
I value mind ability above all else so I don't pitty the blind consumers that gifted elites the high status over them by profits.
Anyway, all the best to you and your loved ones. That's the community that matters.
The rest is likely foe.