No Shadow of a Doubt

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On their 100th anniversary, the narrative explores the remarkable scientific expeditions that initiated the era of relativity. In 1919, British scientists embarked on groundbreaking journeys to Brazil and Africa to test Albert Einstein's revolutionary theory of general relativity, culminating in the century's most celebrated scientific experiment. This endeavor confirmed Einstein's prediction that gravity bends the path of light rays, catapulting him to global fame. However, the effort to measure light's gravitational deflection during the May 29, 1919, solar eclipse has been shrouded in myth and skepticism. Questions arise about whether Arthur Eddington and Frank Dyson achieved their claimed results and if Eddington manipulated evidence to promote peace post-war by validating a German antiwar theorist's ideas. Daniel Kennefick provides definitive answers, offering a comprehensive account of how expedition scientists triumphed over war, poor weather, and technical challenges. Readers follow Eddington's journey through his letters and delve into Dyson's notes detailing the complex experiment. Other key figures include Howard Grubb, who crafted the instruments, William Campbell, who confirmed the findings, and Erwin Findlay-Freundlich, whose attempts in Crimea were thwarted. This account reveals a richer, more exciting story than previously known.