Comment on zero-point fluctuations and the cosmological constant - Reply

Michel has attempted to dismiss the concept of a vacuum electromagnetic zero-point field (ZPF) as a ''computational trick.'' He criticizes the work of several researchers, and specifically the Rueda, Haisch, & Cole proposal that, ''the ZPF may have something to do with cosmic voids'' and their reference to ''various other publications suggesting still other physical applications.'' We interpret the latter as referring principally to our proposition that the ZPF underlies the origin of inertia. If that concept proves to be true-and a new relativistic derivation increases our confidence-its implications would solve one of Michel's major concerns: the cosmological constant problem. In this reply we thus seek to balance the perspective presented to the astrophysical community by Michel.