Detecting gravity's effect on light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of detecting the bending of starlight by the Sun during a solar eclipse using amateur astronomy equipment. Participants explore the methodology for predicting star positions and measuring light bending, as well as the implications for general relativity versus Newtonian physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a method to detect starlight bending by predicting a star's position without accounting for gravitational lensing and comparing it to its position during the eclipse using an eight-inch telescope.
  • Another participant references Eddington's historical experiment, suggesting that an eight-inch telescope should be sufficient based on Eddington's use of a smaller telescope.
  • A later reply questions the reliability of the source referenced by the original poster, noting that it is authored by someone known for challenging standard physics and may not present an objective analysis of Eddington's experiment.
  • The original poster clarifies that the reference was intended solely for the telescope size, not as an endorsement of the source's analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reliability of the referenced source and the interpretation of Eddington's results. There is no consensus on the validity of the claims made by the source or the implications for general relativity.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential biases in the referenced source and the historical context of Eddington's experiment, but do not resolve the implications of these factors on the current discussion.

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During a solar eclipse, is it possible to detect the bending of starlight by the Sun using amateur astronomy equipment? If so, is it possible to show that the amount of bending agrees with general relativity but not Newtonian physics?

My idea is to pick a star that's close to the Sun during totality, predict its altitude and azimuth without accounting for gravitational lensing, and find a star that passes by the same altitude and azimuth during the night before the eclipse. Center the star, wait until the eclipse, take a photo, and see how far the star in it is from the exact center. How accurate is this method with, say, an eight-inch telescope?
 
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A guy named Albert beat you to it.

Eddington used a 4" 'scope with adequate results; your 8" should be more than good enough.

http://www.Newtonphysics.on.ca/EINSTEIN/Appendix2.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
negitron said:
Eddington used a 4" 'scope with adequate results; your 8" should be more than good enough.

http://www.Newtonphysics.on.ca/EINSTEIN/Appendix2.html

You might want to be careful who you quote here , Negitron.

You probably didn't intend to do it, but...
The site you referenced is written by a highly opinionated fellow (Paul Marmet) who is known to challenge just about EVERYTHING in standard physics...
and here he is giving a discourse as to why Eddington's test of GR was falsified and unreliable, and the size of his scope was completely insufficient to get the required resolution.

There may be some truth to some of the details of sytematic error and bias, but Marmet is known for overexagerating the facts, especially those that promote his pre-conceived (and highly anti-Relativistic) philosophy. I find he is rarely objective with the facts...and many times invents false reasons to try to dismiss relativistic behavior.

...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It was mainly intended as a reference for the size of the telescope used, rather than an analysis of the experiment; a point which I failed to make clear.
 

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