Gravity Breakthrough: Claudia de Rham's Pursuit of Innovation

A Life in Pursuit of Gravity

Theoretical physicist Claudia de Rham recently discussed her new book , " The Beauty of Falling : A Life in Pursuit of Gravity , " at The New York Academy of Sciences . She shared her experiences of defying gravity in various ways throughout her life . From diving in the Indian Ocean to flying over Canadian waterfalls , de Rham 's interactions with gravity have been diverse and insightful . These experiences , coupled with her study of theoretical physics , have greatly influenced her book.

The Dream of Becoming an Astronaut

Despite now being a professor of theoretical physics at Imperial College London , de Rham 's initial dream was to become an astronaut . She spent over two decades pursuing this dream , going through rigorous training and evaluations . Unfortunately , a past tuberculosis infection led to her being declared ineligible for the program . However , de Rham expressed no regrets about the journey , emphasizing the importance of learning from failure and using it to make progress.

Einstein Was Right ( Sort Of)

Einstein 's theory of general relativity , proposed in 1915 , eventually led to the detection of gravitational waves in 2016 a century later . This breakthrough confirmed Einstein 's predictions and opened up new possibilities in the field of physics . De Rham also highlighted the importance of peer review in scientific research , referencing Einstein 's own experiences with having his work audited by fellow scientists.

The Beginning of a New Era

Today , theoretical physics suggests that Einstein 's theory of general relativity may eventually fail , particularly in areas like Sagittarius A * , the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy . To address these gaps , de Rham has developed her theory of Massive Gravity , which challenges existing theories and explores new possibilities in the field of physics . Her groundbreaking work has earned her recognition and awards , enabling her to continue pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.

In conclusion , Claudia de Rham 's journey in understanding gravity and her contributions to the field of theoretical physics showcase the importance of curiosity , perseverance , and the willingness to challenge established theories . As we look towards the future of physics , it is clear that scientists like de Rham will play a crucial role in expanding our understanding of the universe and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.