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  3. General Relativity
Astrophysics

General Relativity

Definition

Einstein's 1915 theory describing gravity as curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. Confirmed by light bending, gravitational time dilation, and gravitational wave detection. It remains the foundation of modern gravitational physics.

Related Terms

Gravitational Waves

Ripples in spacetime caused by accelerating massive objects, such as merging black holes. Predicted by Einstein in 1916 ...

Black Hole

A region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape once past the event horizon. B...

Gravitational Lensing

The bending of light from a distant source by the gravitational field of a massive intervening object. Predicted by gene...

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Full Glossary

Browse all 66+ space and astronomy terms.

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