General Relativity is a theory of gravity developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It describes how mass and energy affect the geometry of space and time, and how objects move in this curved space-time.
GR is important because it provides a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of gravity compared to Newton's theory. It has been confirmed by numerous experiments and plays a crucial role in the fields of astrophysics, cosmology, and even modern technologies like GPS.
While having some background in physics and math can be helpful, it is not necessary to understand the basic concepts of GR. This guide is designed to be accessible to self-studiers with a general interest in science.
There are many resources available for self-studying GR, including textbooks, online lectures, and interactive simulations. Some popular options include "A First Course in General Relativity" by Bernard Schutz, "General Relativity for Babies" by Chris Ferrie, and the "Einstein Toolkit" for simulations.
The time it takes to learn GR varies depending on the individual and their level of commitment. With regular study and practice, it is possible to gain a basic understanding in a few months. However, mastering the more advanced concepts and applications may take years of study and research.