Einstein and Eddington and the consequences of general relativity: Black holes and gravitational waves

TL;DR

This paper reviews the 100-year history of general relativity, emphasizing its key predictions like black holes and gravitational waves, their experimental confirmations, and ongoing open questions in the field.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of Einstein's theory, its major tests, and the significant consequences such as black holes and gravitational waves, highlighting recent developments and open issues.

Findings

Confirmation of light deflection during 1919 eclipse

Discussion of black holes as a core consequence

Detection and study of gravitational waves

Abstract

For the celebrations of the 100 years of the observations undertaken by Eddington at the island of Principe and collaborators at Sobral during a total solar eclipse in May 29, 1919, which have confirmed Einstein's theory of general relativity through the deflection of the incoming light from distant stars due to the spacetime curvature caused by the Sun, we highlight the main aspects of the theory, its tests and applications, focusing on some of its outstanding consequences. These are black holes, the object par excellence of general relativity, and gravitational waves, the gravitational probe for the distant Universe. We also point out some open issues.