Einstein Proved Right

Scientists have finally confirmed that Einstein's theory of relativity is, in fact, correct. This article details a very long mission to detect both the amount that the mass of the Earth warps the local space-time and the amount that the rotating Earth drags local space-time around with it (frame-dragging). Both of these effects are predicted by the theory of relativity, but could never before be measured. The Gravity Probe B, armed with a multitude of gyroscopes, has confirmed both of these effects. The article does caution that the data analysis is not yet complete, but preliminary finds match Einstein's predictions. What is more amazing than proving Einstein correct once again is that this project has been going on since 1959. That is 47 years of research and funding. I guess proving Einstein right is high on the list of NASA goals for it to be funded for so long. Especially as it was only three years ago that a spacecraft was actually launched and able to measure the effects. All that time before was figuring out how to do it (and coming up with some interesting technologies along the way like the GPS system). It is impressive that NASA would be so patient.