Centenary of Quaker photo that proved Einstein right
Friends mark centenary of Arthur Eddington's photograph, which proved Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity
Friends at Yearly Meeting were keen to mark the centenary of the groundbreaking photograph of the total solar eclipse by Quaker Arthur Eddington which confirmed Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (see ‘After six weeks carrying heavy photographic plates, the expedition reached Príncipe.’ 19 April).
As one Friend pointed out, the image of the 1919 celestial phenomenon on 29 May ushered in a new understanding of gravity. ‘Eddington was the person who proved Einstein right,’ he said.
Arthur Eddington was one of the only scientists at the time to support Albert Einstein, who was a German-born scientist during the first world war, and his work.
The Quaker conscientious objector (CO) was the first to write an account of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity in English, conducting research and explaining it to English audiences.
The photograph on the remote west African island of Príncipe was the final proof that the theory that light is subject to gravitation was real.
Late last year a letter from Albert Einstein was auctioned in which he takes issue with the belief in God and talks about his Jewish identity. He is also quoted as saying: ‘If I were not a Jew I would be a Quaker.’
The relationship between the two physicists was the basis for the 2008 film Einstein and Eddington, which also explores Arthur Eddington’s refusal to fight in world war one on the grounds of his faith.
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