What is WYP 2005?

The World Year of Physics (WYP 2005) is a worldwide celebration of physics and its importance in our everyday lives. Physics not only plays an important role in the development of science and technology but also has a tremendous impact on our society. WYP aims to raise the worldwide awareness of physics and physical science.

Why 2005?

The year 2005 marks the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s “miraculous year” in which he published three important papers describing ideas that have since influenced all of modern physics. This year provides the opportunity to celebrate Einstein, his great ideas and his influence on life in the 21st century. You can learn more about Einstein’s life and ideas in our About Einstein section.

Where are events happening?

Events will be organized all over the country. No matter where you are, something will be happening near you! Check out our Scheduled Events page to search for an event near you.

At the University of Dayton, as part of the joint spring meeting of the Ohio section of APS and Southern Ohio Section of the AAPT, on the evening of April 8 Dr. Dave Reitze of University of Florida will present a public lecture (see abstract of talk) on the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).

Who is organizing WYP?

The WYP 2005 is a worldwide endeavor. The International Union of Pure and Applied Physics declared the year 2005 as the World Year of Physics. With this declaration, people all over the world are joining in the celebration of physics and its importance in our everyday lives!

The US physics community’s efforts for 2005 are led by the American Physical Society (APS), the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), and the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the premier organizations in the US for physicists, physics teachers, and physics societies. Our theme for the WYP celebration in the US is “Einstein in the 21st Century.”

In addition to larger scale national projects, local WYP events will be organized by a diverse group of people. We expect individuals, science museums, physics departments, labs, community groups, teachers, and more to plan events in their communities.