Revolution in the Skies: the Experiment that made Einstein famous

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 - 13:00 to 14:00
Room SE014 - School of Education (Ground Floor) | Maynooth University - North Campus

Albert Einstein is the undisputed genius whose insights have revolutionised the way we think about the Universe. He is also a cultural icon whose fame extends far beyond the realm of theoretical physics.

Einstein's transition to global stardom can be dated precisely to 29th May 1919, the date of a total solar eclipse at which the first measurements were made of the bending of light by the Sun's gravity that tested Einstein's then new general theory of relativity. The announcement of the results created an unprecedented media sensation: news of Einstein and his revolutionary theory made front-page news around the world.

To mark the centenary of this historic event, Peter Coles will describe the historical and scientific background to an experiment that changed the world, and explain why it was such an important event both for Einstein the physicist and Einstein the celebrity.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW