Virtual Lecture: Einstein, Eddington, and the Challenges of Observational Astronomy

In December 2020, Paul Poncy, observatory staff astronomer, traveled to Chile to help conduct an experiment during the solar eclipse. In partnership with scientists from Portland Community College and the Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium, the group set out to conduct a modern version of the Eddington experiment – an observational test of General Relativity that was first conducted in 1919 and led to support of Albert Einstein’s theory. The goal of the experiment was to use modern day cameras and equipment to reproduce more accurate data; in the end however, weather conditions prevented data collection during the actual event. During this lecture Paul will share his experience preparing for the experiment, traveling to Chile, and future plans for this experiment.