The Eclipse that made Einstein Famous
Sir Arthur Eddington's observations of an eclipse in 1919 catapulted Einstein to fame
Produced in partnership with Science at Pioneer Works
On the 29th of May, 1919 the moon eclipsed the sun to allow a thin ray of light from the Hyades star cluster to fall into Sir Arthur Eddington’s telescopes. Through his observations, he proved that light did not travel on straight lines around the sun, but rather on curved ones that deflected light. Eddington's announcement made headlines, catapulting Einstein’s fame in the English-speaking world.
- Created for Pioneer Works Science Studios
- Produced by Massive Science + Pioneer Works
- Animated + Directed by Hannah Jacobs
- Sound by Skillbard
- Created + Produced by Nadja Oertelt
- Words by Janna Levin, excerpted from her book in progress
The Scientific Controversies Series at Pioneer Works is supported by Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation initiative dedicated to engaging everyone with the process of science.