A unique day school organised by Bristol University to coincide with the World Year of Physics and centenary celebrations of the year Albert Einstein developed the theory of relativity will be held next Saturday [5 March]. The day school is aimed at members of the public with an interest in science or physics.
In 1905, Einstein revolutionised the world of science with three groundbreaking advances. He proved the existence of atoms and molecules, validated the emerging field of quantum mechanics and developed the theory of special relativity which led to the most famous equation ever written, E=mc².
The World Year of Physics is an international celebration of physics timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s ‘miraculous year’. More than thirty nations are participating in the year-long celebrations which will include public lectures, museum exhibits and educational projects.
At the Bristol day school, Dr Vince Smith and Dr Rodney Hillier of the Department of Physics will explain how Einstein’s unique theory of relativity revolutionised our understanding of space, time, energy and matter. They will also provide an insight into Einstein’s later general theory of relativity incorporating gravity.
Dr Vince Smith said: "We hope to show why Einstein's discoveries about the nature of space and time were so revolutionary when they were proposed 100 years ago this year. These ideas are still surprising when you hear about them for the first time, but they are at the heart of much of today's technology: for example, a hiker lost in the mist who pin-points his position with a hand-held GPS receiver is making use of Einstein's theory."
The day school will take place on Saturday 5 March 2005 in the Powell Lecture Theatre, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, from 10 am to 4 pm. No previous knowledge of physics is necessary.
Prior enrolment is essential. Tickets are £20. To book, contact Diane Thorne, Public Programmes Office, tel 0117 928 7160.