Why the year 2005? For a good reason! 2005 marks 100 years since Albert Einstein, then an unknown scientist, reached the forefront of scientific research. During one year Albert Einstein published four articles on three different subjects, each of the articles a most important contribution to its respective field. One article explained the Brownian motion of particles. The other article explained the photoelectric effect for which he later won the Nobel Prize in physics. Thanks to this phenomenon, today we have light detectors, digital cameras and many other devices. Einstein's contribution was also an important stage in the path to the formulation of the theory of quantum mechanics years later.

The other two papers proposed for the first time the Theory of Relativity (Special) and the revolutionary identity of mass and energy revealed by this theory. Einstein is known to the public mainly for the publication of his Theory of Relativity, the Special Theory (1905), and the General Theory of Relativity, which he published a decade later, in 1915. Obviously, such notoriety could not have been achieved without the extensive empirical validation of these theories performed ever since.

Physicists and scientists around the world are preparing to mark the Year of Physics in as many ways possible in order to promote the “public relations” of physics. In the small State of Israel the year's significance is double. First, the fact that Einstein was Jewish and had special ties to the Zionist movement and the State of Israel connects us to this distinguished scientist. Second, physics plays a central role in academic research, civil and security implementations, and in education. Thus, it is important to bring physics to the attention of the widest possible public, especially to the student public.

The following are several of the programs that we are aware of at this stage. Science teachers are invited to join in the programs and integrate them in their study plans. More programs will probably be added in the future, and will be reported on separately.

Listen to Einstein's voice, about several matters, including Israel...

http://www.aip.org/history/einstein/sound/voice1.mp3

http://www.aip.org/history/einstein/sound/voice2.mp3
http://www.aip.org/history/einstein/sound/voice3.mp3

For Everybody at Every Home

Einstein@Home

An American - European project (especially for high school students) that enables the search of data from two laser interferometer gravitational wave observatories - LIGO in the US and GEO in Europe. With the help of software distributed to the participants, each private computer user can assist in analyzing the measurement data as part of the global effort of direct detection of gravitational waves. Here in Israel the program will offer training and background material for the following subjects: the theory of relativity, gravity, gravitational waves, and the way to discover them. In particular, we will encourage adults and youth to join the Einstein@Home program.

Full details will be posted in Hebrew on the website http://physyear.weizmann.ac.il and of course directly on the website

http://www.physics2005.org/events/einsteinathome/index.html#einsteinathome

Einstein Colloquia at Weizmann Institute of Science.

A series of 11 special lectures given by highly distinguished physicists started in November 2004 and will end on December 2005. The series opened with G. ‘t Hooft and will be concluded with a lecture by A. Sen. See details on the website: www.weizmann.ac.il/conferences/einstein

Lectures to the Public and Students

Physicists’ lectures in schools

Dozens of physicists have volunteered to give lectures in schools and community centers during the Year of Physics. The Supervisor of Physics Teaching at the Ministry of Education, “Bashaar” - Academic Community for the Israeli Society, the Israeli Physical Society, and Young@Science at the Weizmann Institute of Science are organizing a campaign of volunteer scientists from the field of physics to give lectures.. The Center of Physics Teachers and "Bashaar" will coordinate the contacts with schools, educational institutions, and community organizations that are interested in lectures for their students. Educators and teachers who are interested in more information can find it with the Supervisor of Physics Teaching at the Ministry of Education, on the website of “Bashaar”

http://www.bashaar.org.il, at http://physyear.weizmann.ac.il

and at www.physicaplus.org.il.

Educators and teachers who wish to coordinate lectures are invited to contact the Center of Physics Teachers or “Bashaar” http://www.bashaar.org.il , telephone 03-6424892.

Volunteer speakers are invited to contact Young@Science by e-mail youngweb@weizmann.ac.il.

http://minerva.tau.ac.il/

Astronomy and Astrophysics for the Public

For further astronomy activities during 2005 (including Perseid, Leonid and the Geminid meteor showers in December) look for coming notices at the website of the Astronomy Association http://www.astronomy.org.il , the website of the Astronomy Club http://wise-obs.tau.ac.il/astroclub , the website of Young@Science www.weizmann.ac.il/young and in other places.

Class Activities

Physics Days of the Center of Physics Teachers and Young@Science at the Weizmann Institute of Science

The Center of Physics Teachers is organizing physics days for hundreds of high school students at the Weizmann Institute of Science. A time schedule is currently being prepared and will be published once established. Details will appear at http://physyear.weizmann.ac.il

Museum Exhibitions

Einstein Exhibition at the Bloomfield Science Museum in Jerusalem

The exhibition that was developed by the American Museum of Natural History with the cooperation of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem (the owner of the Einstein Archives), which was exhibited at the science museums of Boston and Chicago will arrive at the Science Museum in Jerusalem in October 2005 in an Israeli version. In order to present it before the Israeli audience, the exhibition will be produced in Hebrew and Arabic (including graphics, subtitles for movies and new production of all the multi media mediums). A special chapter will be dedicated in the exhibition to the figure of Einstein as a Jew and a Zionist.

The exhibition will inaugurate a new wing at the museum of 700 sqm.

The Exhibition will have four main centers:

On the life of Einstein - from the time he was born in 1879, through his childhood, his outstanding achievements as a student (contrary to conventional notion…), his private letters and his publications. The Nobel Prize Medal and the certificate that Einstein received in 1921 are part of the exhibit in this center.

Einstein the scientist - interactive exhibits, multimedia and graphic panels that will demonstrate the revolution Einstein created in all areas related to light, space, time and motion.

Einstein and the World - as one of the most influential figures of our world, not only in science. Einstein was involved in social and political issues, supported the ideology of peace and human rights, and objected to nationalism. Einstein as a citizen of the world, a humanist, a Zionist and a Jew.

Theatre and educational laboratory - a center that includes educational programs for teachers and students. A 20- minute movie will be screened on the man, his personage, and his perspective on the world.

“The Face of a Genius, Albert Einstein - World Icon” in Ha’aretz Museum

An exhibition in honor of the 100^th anniversary of the Theory of Relativity and the 50th anniversary of Einstein's death. Displayed among the exhibits are stamps, medals, and coins that bear his face, caricatures, letters, posters, books, and mail items signed by eminent physicians. The exhibition is based on the collection of Jack Gabor, and is scheduled to open on 22 February, 2005.