Eclipse: How the 1919 Solar Eclipse Proved Einstein's Theory of General Relativity

by Darcy Pattison, Peter Willis

In 1915, British astronomer Arthur Stanley Eddington was fascinated with Einstein's new theory of general relativity. The theory talks about how forces push and pull objects in space. Einstein said that the sun's gravity could pull and bend light.

To test this, astronomers decided to photograph a solar eclipse. The eclipse would allow them to photograph the stars before and during the solar eclipse. If the star's position moved, then it was evidence that that light had bent. Eddington and his team traveled from England to the island of Principe, just off the African coast, to photograph the eclipse.

In simple language, this nonfiction illustrated picture book explains how the push (acceleration) and pull (gravity) of space affects light.

Back matter includes information on Einstein, Eddington, and the original photograph of the 1919 solar eclipse.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Nonfiction, Childrens, Historical

34 pages, Hardcover

Published October 8, 2019

About the author

DARCY PATTISON (www.darcypattison.com) is published in ten languages.

Children’s book author Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, Junior Library Guild selections, and NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great science book about how a 1919 total eclipse was see to prove Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A great book that blends science, history, and storytelling to show how Stanley Eddington proved Einstein's theory of general relativity using photographs of the 1919 solar eclipse. Told in an engaging and child-friendly way.

Nice illustrations that pair wonderfully with the text and add visuals to the scientific topics discussed.

As a fun addition, readers can flip the top corner of the pages to see the beauty of an eclipse in action. The story itself can be read straight through with younger readers and there are breakout sections that give further details on the information presented for older readers.

Works well for discussing eclipses and general relativity as well as scientific theories and how they are proven. A great read especially for those interested in space and science.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty neat and very specific picture book about how taking pictures through a solar eclipse (and what you can and can't see when it's raining) was able to help prove a scientific theory.

There are text features that explain elements of science to better understand what's being discussed which makes sense for a "Moments in Science" series book of which I've borrowed a second one to see how it compares and possibly read the others. Bite sized science helps me understand!

And with the impending solar eclipse, it's even more fun to learn about an event that's going to be taking place.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I love this author’s books. I teach 8th grade, yet I put her scientific books on my shelves because my reluctant readers will pick them up. Then I hear them talking about what they learned.
This book has two parts on each page. The author takes you through the history of the 1919 eclipse. In a second box she adds more detailed information. This is what my eighth grader enjoy. I myself had never known about the first eclipse photographed, and what they learned from it. I highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer Wadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging illustrations with two levels of text, this short picture book introduces scientists (astronomers and physicists including Einstein) and the developing concept (theory of relativity) that were impacted by photographic studies of the 1919 eclipse. Great overview which may inspire further research into eclipses, biographies, geography, early photography.

[Grace Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book for adults (especially teachers). I can image a teacher using the information in the book to inspire students. However, not the most younger student friendly of this series. And, the illustrations would not make an older student want to pick up the book. I wish the illustrations were a bit better.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting true story. My child and I enjoyed this picture book, though we found the formatting (with additional information peppered in boxes throughout the book) to hinder the flow of the story.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the illustrations and the way you could flip through to see the movement of an eclipse. However, I don't think you really learn that much about an eclipse. I think a teacher looking for a book about an eclipse might want something different.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes observations by a British astronomer (Arthur Stanley Eddington) who proved that light is bent by gravitational force just as predicted Einstein’s theory of general relativity. The book clearly describes actions taking as required by the scientific method.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to read to your class or children. Full of information! This is a winner!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac Newton showed that light bends by taking pictures of the 1919 eclipse. Lots of good scientific info in here!

Found on Epic

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Moments in Science series continues to highlight important events of scientific discovery. This time it is the expedition organized by British astronomer Arthur Stanley Eddington to view the solar eclipse from Principe Island. The collage illustrations show Eddington and his colleagues, the steam ship that took them to the island, and even Greenwich Observatory.

Young readers will learn why the astronomers focused on that eclipse and that particular location to gather proof that Einstein's general theory of relativity was correct. The main text carries the action while sidebars offer more detailed explanations of the concepts.

A photo of the 1919 eclipse taken by the expedition is included at the end of the book. Readers will also enjoy the flip animation in the upper right corner. As the pages are flipped, an eclipse happens the sun disappears behind the moon and then returns to view.

Recommended for grades 2-6. Especially good for units on astronomy.