We all know einstein and his famous theory of relativity but very few of us know the man who proved that theory and made einstein a overnight star in the field of physics.Yes today I will be talking about the lesser known facts of Arther Eddington but before that a brief introduction of general theory of relativity must be given.
Introduction to the general theory of relativity
Newton's famous law of universal gravitation was first published on 5th July 1686 in this law Newton describe how any two particle in this universe attract each other.Nobody questioned this law for more than 200 years.But then comes the mad theoretical physicist/office clerk Albert Einstein who questioned to himself why gravity works.Newton describes space and time as two different quantity and they can't be manipulated but Einstein thought space and time as single entity and called it Space-time.And this space time can be manipulated and theoretically time travel is possible.To give explanation to the origin of Gravity einstein consider space-time as a net which is outstretched throughout the universe.And like ordinary net this net of spacetime can also be bend.When a heavy objects like stars, planets is placed in this spacetime net the spacetime can bent.From this assumptions and some mathematics Einstein explain the deviation in the mercury orbit which was predicted by Newton's law.But the physicist on that time could not digest this unbelievable theory of Einstein and they refused to take it.They said that einstein must had manipulated his theory to explain the deviation in the mercury orbit.
Here comes Arther Eddington
Einstein sent his paper of general relativity to all the big names in physics world.One of them was Arther Eddington a british astrophysicist.He belived in einstein and take the burden to prove his theory.When Einstein lost all his hope Eddington came as a sunlight.And also using the sun Eddington proved the theory.Einstien also told his theory that due to bending of space near a heavy objects light will also bend.
Using this phenomenon Eddington conclude that if we observe a light coming from a star directly and coming near the sun we get two different position of the star.That is if we take two photos of a same star in daylight and in night the two photos will not coincide according two einstein theory.But the problem was stars are not visible in daylight so only way to take a picture of a star in day was in a full solar eclipse.Eddington convince the Royal society of england to fund this experiment i.e. he convince the society to find a prove which can prove the great Newton's theory wrong.After a several attempts in the year of 1919 he finally got success of taking the picture during a solar eclipse.The result of the experiment was checked in front of all british society and press media and Einstein was proven right.Einstien became an overnight star after that solar eclipse experiment but the main architect behind this experiment is still unknown to the most of the people.So to the all science and physics loving people this is my a heartfelt try to credit all the good work done by the great Arther Eddington.
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