The day Einstein changed our understanding of the universe: On 29 May, 1919, a total solar eclipse proved correct Einstein’s theory of general relativity, a cornerstone of modern science. Two teams — in Sobral, Brazil, and on Príncipe Island, off the western coast of Africa — took the chance afforded by the eclipse to measure the deflection of starlight by the sun’s gravitational field, collecting data that proved Einstein’s theory. A hundred years later, scientists around the world are celebrating the impact of these theories on our understanding of the universe. The New York Times has more.

Want to see a total solar eclipse? There’s one coming up on 2 July, lasting four minutes and 33 seconds. The caveat: You’ll need to head a few thousand kms south-west as it will only be visible in the South Pacific, Chile and Argentina, according to The Independent.

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