An annus mirabilis is a Latin term that means "year of wonders" or "miraculous year". In science, this term is often used to describe a particularly important and groundbreaking year in a scientist's career or in the history of scientific discovery.
In 1905, a young physicist named Albert Einstein experienced such a "miraculous year" when he published several important papers that revolutionized our understanding of the universe. These papers, collectively known as the "annus mirabilis papers", are considered some of the most influential scientific works of the 20th century.
To put it simply, Einstein's papers changed the way we think about space, time, and the fundamental structure of the universe. One of his most famous papers, for example, introduced his theory of special relativity, which showed that space and time aren't separate things, but are actually part of a single, four-dimensional "fabric" known as spacetime.
Another paper introduced the famous equation E=mc², which describes the relationship between energy and mass. This equation has been used in countless scientific applications, from nuclear energy to medical imaging.
Overall, Einstein's annus mirabilis papers helped launch a new era of physics and inspired generations of scientists to explore the mysteries of the universe.