Arthur Eddington

1882–1944 · Astrophysics, stellar theory

British astrophysicist who, through his observations during the 1919 solar eclipse, confirmed Einstein's general theory of relativity and turned him into a world celebrity. He laid the foundations of the theory of stellar interior structure and was the first to calculate the luminosity limit named after him. His work on the mass-luminosity relation remains a classic of astrophysics.

Biography

Studied physics at Manchester and Cambridge universities. Worked at the Royal Greenwich Observatory and as director of the Cambridge Observatory. Organized the famous expedition to Príncipe Island. Author of brilliant popular science books, promoted the theory of relativity.

Key discoveries

Eddington limit (the maximum luminosity of a star
at which radiation pressure balances gravity). Mass-luminosity relation for main-sequence stars. Experimental confirmation of light bending by gravity (lensing) in 1919.

💡 Eddington led the expedition to Príncipe Island in 1919, which confirmed Einstein's prediction of light bending by gravity, bringing Einstein worldwide fame.

"He noted that the simple arithmetic of one and one making two is insufficient, requiring deeper insight into the nature of 'and'."

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Arthur Eddington

Biography

Key discoveries

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