---  First  Circular ---
   
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  ****     Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology         ****
  ****              - Einstein's Legacy -                  ****
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                 Conference in Munich, Germany
                       November 7-11, 2005 
   
                    http://www.mpe.mpg.de/~e05
                          e05@mpe.mpg.de
			  
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Rationale
---------

The year 2005 marks the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's "miraculous year"
in which he published three seminal papers describing ideas that have since 
influenced all of modern physics: the theories of special relativity, the 
photoelectric effect and the Brownian motion. On June 1st, 2004, the General 
Assembly of the United Nations declared the year 2005 the International Year 
of Physics. In Germany several major scientific outreach events are planned 
for the "Einstein-Year".

Modern astrophysics and cosmology are building on Einstein's theories, most 
importantly the theory of relativity, and can thus undoubtedly represent one of 
his legacies. In the current "Golden Age" of Astrophysics, several new 
observatories, instruments and satellite missions (e.g. Swift and Astro-E2) 
are expected to provide new data in 2005. We are planning to celebrate the 
"Einstein-Year" in Munich, marking one of the final highlights of this 
"Annus Mirabilis" with an international conference summarizing recent 
progress in relativistic astrophysics and cosmology.


Topics to be addressed
----------------------

Gamma-Ray Bursts - the Creation of Black Holes? 
Neutron Stars, Black Holes, Microquasars 
The Galactic Center and Supermassive Black Holes in Galaxies 
Active Galactic Nuclei, Feeding and Feedback 
Gravitational Wave Astrophysics 
Clusters of Galaxies and Large Scale Structure 
Dark Matter and Dark Energy - Einstein's Greatest Triumph? 


Timeline
--------

September     2004   Pre-Announcement 
February      2005   1st Circular 
February      2005   Registration Opens  
March         2005   Second Circular 
April 30th    2005   Abstract Submission and Registration Deadline  
September 1st 2005   Registration Fee Due 
November 7th  2005   Conference Begins 


Scientific Advisory Committee
-----------------------------


R. Blandford, J. Ehlers, R. Genzel, G. Hasinger (chair), 
B. Leibundgut, G. Neugebauer, M. Rees, H.-W. Rix, 
P. Schneider, B. Schutz, R. Sunyaev, J. Truemper

Local Organising Committee
--------------------------

B. Aschenbach (chair), V. Burwitz, M. Freyberg, B. Meyne, M. Lindner (TUM)

Preliminary List of Invited Speakers
------------------------------------

Currently, the list of confirmed review and targeted speakers includes: 

Roger Blandford, Juergen Ehlers, Neil Gehrels, 

Reinhard Genzel, Riccardo Giacconi, Piero Madau, 

Felix Mirabel, Lyman Page, Sterl Phinney, 

Martin Rees, Edward L. Wright


Conference Format
-----------------

The program will feature:

- invited talks of 30+5 min
- contributed talks of 20+5 min
- poster presentations
- discussion sessions

The conference proceedings will be published in the Springer-Verlag series 
"ESO Astrophysics Symposia".


Abstracts
---------

The Abstracts are due April 30th, 2005. 

A LaTeX sample abstract can be downloaded from the conference website. 
The abstracts should then be sent to: 

             e05-abstracts@mpe.mpg.de

Location
--------

The conference will be held in Munich, in the Auditorium Maximum of the 
Technical University close to the center of Munich. It can be easily 
reached by public transportation. See travel info for more information.


Participation
-------------

The conference will be limited to about 300 participants. The conference 
registration fee is 230 Euros if paid before the deadline, and 250 Euros 
if paid later. The fee includes the costs of the proceedings, opening 
reception, coffee and refreshments during breaks.


Accommodation
-------------

There are many hotels in Munich in different price categories. 
Further information will be made available soon on the Conference 
Accommodation webpage.

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The organisers can be contacted by sending an email to e05@mpe.mpg.de 

                    http://www.mpe.mpg.de/~e05

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