Proving Einstein Right
The Daring Expeditions that Changed How We Look at the Universe
Published on 24. September 2019
368 pages
978-1-5417-6223-7 (ISBN)
Description
A thrilling adventure story chronicling the perilous journey of the scientists who set out to prove the theory of relativity--the results of which catapulted Albert Einstein to fame and forever changed our understanding of the universe.
In 1911, a relatively unknown physicist named Albert Einstein published his preliminary theory of gravity. But it hadn't been tested. To do that, he needed a photograph of starlight as it passed the sun during a total solar eclipse. So began a nearly decade-long quest by seven determined astronomers from observatories in four countries, who traveled the world during five eclipses to capture the elusive sight. Over the years, they faced thunderstorms, the ravages of a world war, lost equipment, and local superstitions. Finally, in May of 1919, British expeditions to northern Brazil and the island of Príncipe managed to photograph the stars, confirming Einstein's theory.
At its heart, this is a story of frustration, faith, and ultimate victory--and of the scientists whose efforts helped build the framework for the big bang theory, catapulted Einstein to international fame, and shook the foundation of physics.
In 1911, a relatively unknown physicist named Albert Einstein published his preliminary theory of gravity. But it hadn't been tested. To do that, he needed a photograph of starlight as it passed the sun during a total solar eclipse. So began a nearly decade-long quest by seven determined astronomers from observatories in four countries, who traveled the world during five eclipses to capture the elusive sight. Over the years, they faced thunderstorms, the ravages of a world war, lost equipment, and local superstitions. Finally, in May of 1919, British expeditions to northern Brazil and the island of Príncipe managed to photograph the stars, confirming Einstein's theory.
At its heart, this is a story of frustration, faith, and ultimate victory--and of the scientists whose efforts helped build the framework for the big bang theory, catapulted Einstein to international fame, and shook the foundation of physics.
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Cathie Pelletier | S. James Gates
Proving Einstein Right
The Daring Expeditions that Changed How We Look at the Universe
Book
10/2019
PublicAffairs,U.S.
€28.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Sylvester James "Jim" Gates, Jr. is a theoretical physicist who is most known for his work on supersymmetry, supergravity, and superstring theory. He is the Brown Theoretical Physics Center Director, Ford Foundation Professor of Physics, Affiliate Professor of Mathematics, and Faculty Fellow, Watson Institute for International Studies & Public Affairs at Brown University. In 2013, he was awarded the National Medal of Science, the highest award in the United States given to scientists. He is former president of the National Society of Black Physicists, and Vice President of the American Physical Society. He is a fellow at the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Institute of Physics in the United Kingdom. Professor Gates gives popular-level lectures regularly and makes frequent appearances in documentaries about science.
Cathie Pelletier is the critically acclaimed author of twelve books, including The Funeral Makers, The Weight of Winter, and The One-Way Bridge. Several have been translated into numerous languages, and two have been made into films. She lives in Allagash, Maine.
Cathie Pelletier is the critically acclaimed author of twelve books, including The Funeral Makers, The Weight of Winter, and The One-Way Bridge. Several have been translated into numerous languages, and two have been made into films. She lives in Allagash, Maine.
Content
- Intro
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Table of Contents
- Dedication
- Map of A World of Eclipses: The Paths of Totality
- PROLOGUE
- CHAPTER 1: A PATH MADE OF MAGIC: The First Expeditions
- CHAPTER 2: EINSTEIN'S VISIONARY YEARS: Thought Experiments and a Streetcar Ride
- CHAPTER 3: THE TWO ECLIPSES OF 1912: The First Attempt: Is Einstein Right?
- CHAPTER 4: EINSTEIN'S ENTREATY: Astronomers to the Challenge
- CHAPTER 5: THE 1914 ECLIPSE: The Second Attempt: A Path of Fire
- CHAPTER 6: A MAGIC CARPET MADE OF SPACE-TIME: The British Take Interest: Science Goes to War
- CHAPTER 7: UNRIDDLING THE UNIVERSE: The British Get Ready: The Americans Persevere
- CHAPTER 8: THE RMS ANSELM SETS SAIL: A Cocoa Plantation and a Horse Jockey Club
- CHAPTER 9: PRÍNCIPE AND SOBRAL: In Colonialism's Shadow: The Teams Prepare
- CHAPTER 10: "THROUGH CLOUD, HOPEFUL": May 29, 1919: Does Light Have Weight?
- CHAPTER 11: GREEK DRAMA: Searching the Stars: An Answer in the Hyades
- CHAPTER 12: THE SEARCH FOR ACCURACY: A New Universe: The Press Juggernaut
- EPILOGUE: MEN MADE ON DREAMS
- Photos
- Acknowledgments
- Discover More
- About the Authors
- Bibliography
- Illustration Credits
- Notes
