First Info - IAYC 2012 (August 5th - 25th)

Sometimes, while studying in Uni or High School, we might get the impression that Physics is a science where every problem can be elegantly solved on a blackboard. The typical algorithm is apparently simple: From a few basic principles, you write the equations, you substitute the values, and you obtain a final result which solves your problem. Period.

Hold on! Is that really everything? Is it always that simple? Fortunately, nature is usually a bit trickier, showing us plenty of phenomena where something more is needed. At times we end up having such a huge number of variables that it would be insane to solve it just with pen and paper, and in some other cases we obtain equations which can only be solved numerically. This is where the power of computational methods arises, allowing us to carry out simulations of complex systems in record time. But that's not the only point! The use of computers has allowed us to plot, analyse and present our data in a faster, more accurate and cleaner way.

So, what are we going to do here? Our main goal will be to understand and use these methods to develop a few models, whether making an interactive simulation of the evolution of a planetary system, understanding the importance of a Montecarlo simulation in an experiment, learning (and showing to the other groups) how to present your results neatly and efficient, and much more! Wait, you have any suggestions? Just drop me a message, and we'll see what we can do!

Don't worry if this sounds too complicated to you. Believe me, it's not! With a bit of patience, confidence and a "comphy" atmosphere, even the most challenging problem will show to be solvable! :)

Looking forward to meeting you all in Eichendorf!

Javier (javier@iayc.org)

The ultimate answer to the great question of life, the universe, and everything. Isn't that all what we are actually looking for? Alright, in this working group we will start with the first item in the list. Life. Since life itself is an amazingly complex thing we will look at the tiniest living things available. Single cells. How do they live and what do they do all the time? You can find that out in M&M, by actually looking at them. What would happen if we only consisted of one single cell? This is probably a bit hard to answer but we will have some of the simplest imaginable organisms around. They are not just like an average pet but instead the ones which you eat every single day, millions of them! Even (or especially) if you suffer from being a vegetarian: yoghurt, cake, beer and wine are all based on microorganisms which we will study.

Since even these tiny beings are still utterly complex we will need tools for studying them. First there will be microscopes but if you know how to use a telescope you can handle a microscope as well - the main difference is that you can work when it is cloudy. Then you will be able to build your own microchip for studying those little beings. If that sounds too technical you should not be scared since our chips will be based on gelatin.

When we talk about microorganisms we have inherently small objects but can you maybe see them with your bare eye? No? Really? This still sounds to macro for you? Well, you are invited to dig deeper. How about simulating the action potential of the cell that currently tells your eye to focus on the next word?

Oh and don’t be afraid, we are able to work when it is cloudy. But that does not mean that we cannot sneak out, get under the clear skies and observe the rather macro worlds out there and discuss the remaining parts of the great question: the universe and everything.
Life... is like a grapefruit, take a towel, your favourite tea mug and join M&M to figure out more about it!

See you in summer

Sebastian (sebastian.b@iayc.org)

Are you a curious person? Are you eager to dive into a new world that describes nature? Do you want to know why all galaxies move away from us? And, does dark matter really exist? If you wonder about these questions, Physics in Astronomy is your working group!

In this working group we want to explore the laws of nature that govern our universe, from the infinitesimal to the unimaginably large. Let's find out how we can explain phenomena in nature; Just think of all those magnificent nebulae (e.g. the Horsehead Nebula) out there! Have you ever wondered why some nebulae appear more blueish while others seem more reddish? We will try to explain these observations by means of physics! All we need is paper, a pen and your curiosity!

Some other projects might deal with special relativity or, for the brave ones, general relativity; We will be able to understand the Friedmann equations that describe the expansion of the Universe!

What if you haven’t had advanced physics or math courses and this sounds all very sophisticated to you? Don’t worry about that! There will be projects for all levels; the only ingredient you need is your own enthusiasm!

Of course PA will be more than science. An important aspect is getting together, having a nice time and throwing a party with sweet biscuits and hot chocolate. We can also go out stargazing and hear stories from around the world!

Looking forward to seeing you under the beautiful sky of Bavaria!

Florian (florian@iayc.org)

Ever looked at the night sky and wondered what civilisations of old saw in those shiny balls of fire? Anyone can sit down, open up a planetarium program at home, but can you spot Aquila without a guidebook? Can you stay up until you find the fuzzy patch of Pleiades? Have you ever tried to construct a sundial?

We will do all this and more. We are going to learn about what people dead long ago thought about the celestial world, what it meant for them. About how sailors used the stars to navigate the seas before the era of the GPS.

And whats more - will be astronomers.

See you next summer!

Balazs (balazs@iayc.org)