Proving Einstein Right: The Daring Expeditions that Changed How We Look at the Universe

In 1911, a relatively unknown physicist named Albert Einstein published his theory of general relativity. But it hadn't been tested. To do that, he needed a photograph of starlight as it passes the sun during a total solar eclipse. So began a nearly decade-long quest by seven determined astronomers, from observatories in four countries, who traveled the world during five eclipses to capture the elusive sight. For years, they faced thunderstorms and the ravages of a world war, lost equipment and local superstitions. Finally, in May of 1919, British expeditions to northern Brazil and the island of Pr ncipe managed to photograph the stars, confirming Einstein's theory.

At its heart, this is a story of frustration, faith, and ultimate victory-and of the scientists whose efforts helped build the framework for the Big Bang Theory, catapulted Einstein to international fame, and shattered the foundation of physics that had been in place for two centuries.