Roça Sundy, Príncipe
Albert Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity, expressed by this famous equation, in 1905. Einstein’s theory had been proven mathematically, but there was no physical evidence for the Theory of Relativity until May of 1919.
The event that proved Einstein’s theory occurred at the plantation (now hotel) where we are staying.
Roça Sundy, on Príncipe Island.
A team of scientists headed by Sir Arthur Eddington, a colleague of Einstein, conducted a two-part experiment during a solar eclipse. They chose Roça Sundy and another location on the equator in Brazil, to take measurements of the effects of the sun on light rays.
The scientists took photographs of a star field during the eclipse, from locations on opposite sides of the globe, to prove Einstein’s theory that the path of light rays is bent by massive objects such as the Sun.
The test conclusively proved Einstein’s theory, which broadened scientist’s understanding of the nature of the universe. The experiment opened doors for applications from space travel, to the atomic bomb.
And it happened right here at Roça Sundy.
If you think I understood one word of what I just wrote, you are badly mistaken. I transcribed it from this sign.
That is the beauty of The Scientific Method.
Science relies on testable empirical evidence and observation, so we don’t have to.
Scientific theories are tested, altered, then re-tested again and again, to verify theoretical claims. Evidence is peer reviewed and revised as necessary, before a theory can be published.
If new evidence arrives, scientific theories are reviewed and revised again to achieve the most refined understanding of the topic at hand.
I don’t have to know how a spaceship works, I can trust the science and conclude that it does.
Science is the exact opposite of Blind Faith and Dictums from Authority. We should be very cautious about believing untested theories, coming from unreliable sources.
The world needs more scientists, less…
… Cockwombles.
Cockwomble: a noun used to describe a person, usually male, prone to making outrageously stupid statements and/or inappropriate behaviour while generally having a very high opinion of his own wisdom and importance.
What this Cockwomble is saying is that the world needs more people who believe things without evidence.
Go with science, stay vigilant, avoid falling into traps set by Cockwombles.
We have moved on from Roça Sundy to Bom Bom Island.
The motto on the island is “leve-leve”, which literally means “light-light”. The phrase represents the relaxed attitude to life here.
If you don’t hear from me for a few days, I’ve gone leve-leve.
Like and Subscribe…
To join the WellWaterBlog audience, scroll down and add your e-mail address to the growing list. You will receive a notice each time a new article is posted and nothing else – No Advertising, No Solicitations, No B.S., Just Fun.
Keith MacDonald
Well that was a an interesting and FUN one. Wuite the experiences you two are getting. Goodonya.
Russ Paton
Thanks Keith! It’s fun to share the journey with you.