Eddington

Eddington is a surname of English origin. The most notable bearer is Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington (1882–1944), an English astronomer and physicist whose work helped establish the observational basis for Einstein's theory of general relativity and who made major contributions to the theory of stellar structure and energy generation. In 1919, Eddington organized and interpreted observations from expeditions that measured the deflection of starlight by the Sun during a total solar eclipse, providing one of the first empirical tests of general relativity. His theoretical and observational work helped to popularize relativity in the English-speaking world and influenced the development of modern astrophysics.

Eddington is also associated with the concept known as the Eddington limit, the theoretical maximum luminosity a star can have before radiation pressure would overcome gravity and drive off its outer layers. This concept is central to understanding massive stars, accreting objects, and the stability of stars. In addition to his research, Eddington wrote several influential texts on astronomy and cosmology, including works that sought to explain stellar interiors and the evolving universe.

Beyond Arthur Eddington, the name remains in use as a surname and is used for various places and institutions in the English-speaking world. The term Eddington thus appears in scientific, historical, and geographic contexts.