Eddingtons comparator
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Eddingtons comparator
Eddingtons comparator. This device was built by Sir Arthur Eddington (1882-1944), and was designed for measuring changes in the positions of stars, seen on telescope glass plates mounted below the movable microscopes. Eddington would have used a comparator like this to study plates from the 1919 eclipse expeditions, designed to test Einsteins 1915 theory of General Relativity. This predicted that light passing close to a large mass (like the Sun) bends twice as far as predicted by Newtons theory of gravity. This lensing effect changes the position of stars seen near the Sun during a total solar eclipse. Eddingtons results, now considered inconclusive, were said to show the shift and were hailed as support for General Relativity
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6410628
© VOLKER STEGER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1889 1919 Device Eclipse Einstein Experiment General Relativity Gravitational Lens Instrument Solar Eclipse Eddington Physical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Eddington's comparator, a remarkable device constructed by the brilliant Sir Arthur Eddington in the early 20th century. Designed specifically for measuring minute changes in star positions, this instrument played a crucial role in Eddington's groundbreaking research. Eddington utilized comparators like this one to meticulously examine telescope glass plates obtained during the momentous 1919 eclipse expeditions. These expeditions were conducted with the primary objective of testing Einstein's revolutionary theory of General Relativity, formulated back in 1915. According to Einstein's predictions, light passing near massive objects such as our Sun would bend twice as much as Newtonian gravity suggested. The lensing effect caused by this gravitational pull alters the apparent position of stars located close to the Sun during a total solar eclipse. Eddington's results from his meticulous analysis using comparators were initially celebrated as supporting evidence for General Relativity. However, they are now considered inconclusive. This historic photograph not only captures an exquisite piece of scientific equipment but also symbolizes an important chapter in physics history. It serves as a reminder of how dedicated researchers like Eddington pushed boundaries and embarked on daring experiments to unravel the mysteries of our universe.
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