Translation May be Relative but Rotation is Absolute By Jens Zorn
Cast iron and steel. This modified found object reminds us of the distinctions that can (or cannot) be made between different frames of reference, distinctions that are at the heart of relativity theory.

Jens Zorn, Professor of Physics at the University of Michigan, is both a visual artist and an experimentalist in atomic, molecular and optical physics. His photography and graphic design is well represented in publications and collections. His sculpture celebrates scientific achievements by drawing on the sketches and diagrams used by scientists of relevant physical processes. Currently he is installing two sculptures: one at the University of Mexico visualizing magnetic properties of the atom to commemorate that University's work in microwave spectroscopy, and another at the University of Nevada based on hydrodynamic flow models to commemorate air quality research done at that University. Here at UM the courtyard between West Hall and Randall holds his bronze sculpture "The Short, Rich Life of Positronium" celebrating Michigan's research on antimatter by recalling how positrons and electrons circle one another before annihilating with a complete conversion of mass to energy.

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