The Eddington Experiment, conducted in 1919, played a significant role in the confirmation and popularization of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. However, it is important to clarify that Einstein did not need to be familiar with Riemannian Geometry specifically to develop his theory.
Einstein's development of the General Theory of Relativity was based on his own mathematical framework and physical insights, rather than relying directly on the work of other mathematicians. His theory was a culmination of years of thinking and refining his ideas about gravity.
One of the key predictions of Einstein's theory was the deflection of light by gravity. According to General Relativity, massive objects, such as the Sun, can bend the path of light passing near them. This prediction differed from the predictions made by Newtonian physics, which suggested a smaller deflection.
The Eddington Experiment, led by the British astronomer Arthur Eddington, aimed to test Einstein's prediction during a total solar eclipse. The experiment involved measuring the apparent shift of stars' positions as their light passed close to the Sun. The observed deflection of starlight matched the predictions of General Relativity and was consistent with Einstein's theory.
The success of the Eddington Experiment in confirming Einstein's prediction garnered significant attention and provided empirical evidence supporting the General Theory of Relativity. It helped establish Einstein's theory as a major breakthrough in physics and propelled him to international fame. It is worth noting that while the Eddington Experiment was influential, it was not the sole factor in validating General Relativity. Subsequent experiments and observations further confirmed and refined the theory.