General relativity anniversary: a celebration with Imperial physicists

Imperial physicists led a huge celebration of Einstein's ground-breaking theory of general relativity, which turns 100 this week.

More than 700 people joined members of Imperial's theoretical physics group to celebrate the theory of general relativity with two lectures and a chance to chat with physicists.

Watch the lectures in the video above and catch up with the buzz below.

There was a chance to mingle with the top minds in theoretical physics before the event.

James Stirling also introduced an audio message from Professor Stephen Hawking, who was unfortunately unwell and unable to attend the event. Professor Hawking said: "I am very sorry that I cannot be there with you to celebrate 100 years of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

"Albert Einstein was the greatest physicist of the 20th century and his discoveries revolutionised our understanding of the world, and our place in it. Although I cannot be there, I know you will be in very good hands with students who trained in my relativity group Professor Fay Dowker and Professor Jerome Gauntlett.

"The theoretical physics group at Imperial College has a great tradition in carrying out research in fundamental physics since its founding by Abdus Salam, and I look forward to visiting on another occasion."

The lectures kicked off with Professor Fay Dowker explaining how we all know, from our own experience, that Newton's views of gravity are wrong.

Next up was Professor Jerome Gauntlett, describing how black holes are the best labs for testing the limits of general relativity.

In the end, everyone went away enlightened and delighted, including Imperial's President, Professor Alice Gast.