Nova Geminorum 1912 and the origin of the idea of gravitational lensing.

DOI10.1007/S00407-007-0008-4zbMATH Open1148.01009arXiv0704.0963OpenAlexW3100712849WikidataQ55933654 ScholiaQ55933654MaRDI QIDQ956715FDOQ956715

Authors: Tilman Sauer 

Publication date: 26 November 2008

Published in: Archive for History of Exact Sciences (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: Einstein's early calculations of gravitational lensing, contained in a scratch notebook and dated to the spring of 1912, are reexamined. A hitherto unknown letter by Einstein suggests that he entertained the idea of explaining the phenomenon of new stars by gravitational lensing in the fall of 1915 much more seriously than was previously assumed. A reexamination of the relevant calculations by Einstein shows that, indeed, at least some of them most likely date from early October 1915. But in support of earlier historical interpretation of Einstein's notes, it is argued that the appearance of Nova Geminorum 1912 (DN Gem) in March 1912 may, in fact, provide a relevant context and motivation for Einstein's lensing calculations on the occasion of his first meeting with Erwin Freundlich during a visit in Berlin in April 1912. We also comment on the significance of Einstein's consideration of gravitational lensing in the fall of 1915 for the reconstruction of Einstein's final steps in his path towards general relativity.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/0704.0963

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Mathematics Subject Classification ID

History of mathematics in the 20th century (01A60) History of relativity and gravitational theory (83-03)

Cites Work

• Lens-Like Action of a Star by the Deviation of Light in the Gravitational Field
• The Genesis of General Relativity
• Title not available (Why is that?)
• Erwin Finlay Freundlich and testing Einstein's theory of relativity
• The origin of gravitational lensing. A postscript to Einstein's 1936 science paper: ``Lens-like action of a star by the deviation of light in the gravitational field [Science 84 (1936), 506--507] by A.\ Einstein
• Title not available (Why is that?)

Cited In (4)

• Einstein on involutions in projective geometry
• Gravitational lensing in the Kerr-Randers optical geometry
• The origin of gravitational lensing. A postscript to Einstein's 1936 science paper: ``Lens-like action of a star by the deviation of light in the gravitational field [Science 84 (1936), 506--507] by A.\ Einstein
• Exploring gravitational lensing

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