Date on Honors Thesis

Spring 3-13-2026

Major

Physics, Mathematics

Minor

Astronomy, History

Examining Committee Member

Joshua Ridley, PhD, Advisor

Examining Committee Member

David Roach, PhD, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

Matthew Williams, PhD, Committee Member

Examining Committee Member

William Moffitt, M.S., Committee Member

Abstract/Description

Einstein’s formula to calculate the deflection angle of light through space as it interacts with gravity was introduced in his 1916 publication on general relativity. This was not a new idea, but his equation was, and it was correct. Just 3 years after this publication, it was empirically validated by Sir Arthur Eddington and Sir Frank Dyson. Since that experiment in 1919, at least seven others have been performed that also gave definitive answers in support of Einstein’s deflection constant of 1.751 arcseconds. The two most recent ones made groundbreaking contributions to this effort. The 2017 eclipse showed reproducible results of 3% accuracy, and the 2024 eclipse produced software that accurately completes the necessary calculations for this experiment. The observations for this experiment can be reproduced on an amateur level. Therefore, I have proposed here a simulative experiment that can be regularly completed by undergraduate, introductory astronomy students to a satisfactory accuracy.

Additional Author Comments

This paper is an analysis of the Eddington Experiment throughout the years, and its applications today. Also included is a possible undergraduate lab experiment that simplifies this experiment which is still in revision. 

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