UB to Join in Global Celebration of Light Honoring 100th Anniversary of Einstein's "Miracle Year"

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Physicists, physics students and fans of science in general will gather at the University at Buffalo on April 18 to participate in a global light relay to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's miracle year.

In 1905, when he was just 26 years old, Einstein devised the theory of relativity, proved the existence of atoms and laid foundations for quantum physics. This year, April 18 also is the 50th anniversary of his death.

The light relay will originate April 18 at Princeton University and then will circle the globe, returning to Princeton University on April 19.

On the UB North (Amherst) Campus, a building-sized projection of Einstein will be shown starting at 8:30 p.m., on the wall of Fronczak Hall, which houses the UB Department of Physics.

At 8:45, the light relay will begin with illumination of the lights at UB Stadium, followed by rooftop illumination of the Center for the Arts and Bonner Hall.

Participants lined up all along Putnam Way between Bonner Hall and Fronczak Hall then, one-by-one, will turn on their flashlights. The light relay will end with the illumination of a rooftop searchlight on Fronczak Hall.

The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in the Governor's Lot.