The aether is a fluid-like medium in which all matter resides. The aether penetrates the spaces between material particles. However, light of different frequencies travels at different speeds. The speed of light is measured near massive objects. The speed of light in interstellar space may be different.
Light photons can interact with electrons and increase or decrease the mass of the electrons.
However, a small fraction of the aether can be captured by matter. The aether is increased by all type of radiated electromagnetic phenomena. The aether flow through ferro-magnetic materials is the fundamental cause of magnetism. The aether flow or interaction with charged particles is the fundamental cause of electric fields. There you have a start.