Warped space-time. Conceptual computer artwork of bent grid lines around an astronomical object, representing warped space-time. Einstein conceived of space-time in his Special Theory of Relativity. He showed that space and time are not invariant, but change with the velocity of an object. These changes are noticeable near the speed of light and space and time must be treated a single space-time framework. In his General Theory of Relativity, Einstein then explained the phenomenon of gravity as a distortion of this space-time. Massive and super-dense astronomical objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes would produce this kind of severe warping of space-time.