Confirming Einstein's General Theory of Relativity: One hundred years on

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The key aims of the project are:1. To highlight the significance of the 100th anniversary of the total solar eclipse when observations first proved Einsteins General Theory of Relativity. The actual anniversary of the two expeditions on 29th May 1919 falls within the half term holidays making it an ideal opportunity to interactively engage the general public and families, sharing the story through practical demonstrations and talks, promoting family interaction and contributing to family science capital. Most may know the name Albert Einstein, some the name Arthur Eddington and many will have heard of the General Theory of Relativity but few will know the significance of the anniversary and how it changed our view of gravity. 2. To raise awareness of current research including LIGO which continues to prove Einstein's predictions and how funding bodies such as STFC are vital in supporting such important work. Not many visitors will be aware of LIGO; the importance of the discovery of gravitational waves and how it links back to Einstein. The intention is to involve experts in the field to communicate this knowledge in an understandable way allowing a much wider, diverse audience to gain an insight into areas of science they may otherwise not have access to. This will also facilitate researchers to share their knowledge and engage with new audiences. As a result, it is hoped that our visitors will take a more positive attitude towards the exciting world of STEM and the research that helps us understand how the Universe works.3. To introduce visitors to the fascinating world of radio astronomy: its history; how it was used in the initial indirect discovery of gravitational waves 40 years before LIGO directly detected them; its importance in current research including for example, satellite communications. 4. To engage with KS3 and KS4 students in under-served schools in deprived local areas through the outreach programme. Planetarium shows and accompanying interactive workshops highlighting gravity from Newton to Einstein, incorporating current research such as LIGO, will be offered to selected schools free of charge. The specific aim is to contribute to and support science education, encouraging young people in local areas with low science capital to take a more positive attitude towards STEM and introduce them to cutting edge science. 5. To contribute to and support science education within the OSC for: visiting schools across different Key Stages; home educators; visiting families and the general public during school holidays. Children are taught about gravity from a very early age but many may not grasp how fundamental it is to everyday life. The aim therefore is to develop and deliver, a fun, interactive science show for schools and families and key stage specific workshops for schools, demonstrating gravity. The overall impact of this project is to inspire and engage as many people as possible from diverse backgrounds including schools, the general public and families, with the fascinating world of gravity from Newton to Einstein to LIGO. The highlight will be to tell the story of the 1919 Eddington led expeditions when the 13-inch Astrographic refractor, still used by the OSC today, photographed the total solar eclipse which revolutionised the way gravity is viewed. It will showcase how LIGO, 100 years on, continues the story further proving Einstein's predictions were correct and raising awareness of STFC and its valuable contributions to current scientific research. Generating a more positive attitude to STEM in young people, encouraging them to take part for themselves and stimulating curiosity can only help towards ensuring sufficient people have the range of STEM skills vital to the country's future economy. Encouraging families to work together builds family science capital, making it more likely that children will aspire towards a science-related career.