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Science 11 February 2005:
Vol. 307. no. 5711, pp. 879 - 884
DOI: 10.1126/science.1106444
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Review

Astrophysical Observations: Lensing and Eclipsing Einstein's Theories

Charles L. Bennett

Albert Einstein postulated the equivalence of energy and mass, developed the theory of special relativity, explained the photoelectric effect, and described Brownian motion in five papers, all published in 1905, 100 years ago. With these papers, Einstein provided the framework for understanding modern astrophysical phenomena. Conversely, astrophysical observations provide one of the most effective means for testing Einstein's theories. Here, I review astrophysical advances precipitated by Einstein's insights, including gravitational redshifts, gravitational lensing, gravitational waves, the Lense-Thirring effect, and modern cosmology. A complete understanding of cosmology, from the earliest moments to the ultimate fate of the universe, will require developments in physics beyond Einstein, to a unified theory of gravity and quantum physics.

Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA. E-mail: cbennett{at}jhu.edu

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)