While there are few theories that have enthralled scientists as well as non-scientists in scientific annals, none has been more popular than Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. It was derived from a thirsty and persistent drive to comprehend the most basic character or make-up of the universe. In return, this theory gave birth to a new world view of space, time, and gravity that has redefined our perception on science and technology.
At its core, the Theory of Relativity comes in two distinct flavors: Special Relativity and General Relativity. Each of them alone has made a paradigm shift with regards to cosmology.
Special Relativity, published by Einstein in 1905, emerged from a deceptively simple question: Would the laws of physics be the same for all observers, even though some might be in relative motion? The idea was revolutionary, implying that the speed of light in a vacuum is the same for every observer at any velocity. The seemingly paradoxical idea that is now known as E==MC2 where E signifies energy, m stands for mass and is the speed of light—c. Ultimately, this equation proved that mass and energy were convertible with the result being nuclear energy and the ultimate atomic bomb.
Time dilation, wherein time seems to be moving at a different pace for two observers in relative motion, was also introduced by special relativity. In summary, had you journeyed close to the velocity of light to a faraway star and return, you would realize that considerably fewer years have passed for you compared to those who stayed at home. This striking concept defied our perception of time as something static and inevitable.
Einstein’s book titled General Relativity which was published in 1915 developed these aspects more. It suggested that gravity is not a force between masses as proposed by the Newtonian physics but the curvature of spacetime resulting from massive objects. For example, think of a huge ball dropped on a trampoline. The ball will make the edges of the trampoline fabric to create “gravity well”. Like in case of massive objects such as planets and stars which cause other materials in spacetime to move along curved pathways, this is what is seen as gravitational attraction.
General Relativity theories have been verified in many experiments and observations as evidenced by the bending of light around large objects, gravitational lensing to date measurement of time dilation near heavy bodies. One of its most popular predictions was that there exist black holes – regions of spacetime so distorted that neither light, nor anything could break free of its gravitational pull.
Surprisingly, we may feel that the Theory of Relativity does not touch our daily life, but in fact, it affects a lot. It supports the functioning of the GPS which requires high precision timing in order for it to be able to locate places correctly. We would have inaccuracies of more than 10 kms per day using GPS without correction for both Special and General relativities.
The Theory of Relativity has extended far beyond its practical implications in influencing our conceptual and cultural understanding of the universe as well. It has shown us that the world is an evolving web which weaves together space, time and substance.
Since its creation over a hundred years ago, the Theory of Relativity has been validated by numerous experiments and observations. It has shown us the way across the cosmos, leading our space missions and revealing their secrets.
Finally, the Theory of Relativity is not only a science but also a manifestation of human curiosity and intelligence. Einstein’s great ideas changed our views towards the universe as well as affected our lives, which cannot be easily imagined today. Therefore, with the ever-illuminating theory of relativity leading us further into the exploration of the unknown, we move on to conquer the universe and unravel its mysteries.
