The week in physics: Studying quantum entanglement; Holes in solar sails

The week in physics: 28 April–5 May Hippies, Bell tests, and a career studying quantum entanglement Investigating a group of maverick physicists who studied the foundations of quantum mechanics in the 1970s led one physicist-historian to help create a new test of entanglement. David Kaiser Q&A: Graduate student Ari Jain strives to better the world through research and leadership Awarding travel grants, organizing conference sessions, and lobbying the government have afforded him a close-up view of how the science enterprise works. Toni Feder From the vault: January 1971 #BlackHoleWeek Introducing the black hole According to present cosmology, certain stars end their careers in a total gravitational collapse that transcends the ordinary laws of physics. Remo Ruffini and John A. Wheeler Putting holes in a sail to reach the stars Sails made of photonic crystal membranes may one day propel spacecraft to Alpha Centauri. Jennifer Sieben ADVERTISEMENT Transform High School Physics Education Apply for the William F. and Edith R. Meggers Project Award to receive up to $25,000 to enhance high school physics education. This award supports high school–level projects aimed at increasing interest in physics and improving the quality of physics education. The deadline to apply is June 15. Learn More From the May issue Seismic data provide a deep dive into groundwater health During times of sparse rainfall, many communities rely on pumping from wells to meet their water needs. But do the water reserves recover when the rains return? Johanna L. Miller Post a Job Get Job Alerts Browse All Jobs Science Writer II Thorlabs, Inc (Rochester, NY) View Job Postdoctoral Researcher - JR2145 University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH) View Job Executive Director, Berkeley Quantum (0379U) - Physical Sciences Dean's Office University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) View Job Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN) View Job Postdoctoral Research Associate Iowa State University (Ames, IA) View Job Nanoscience and Technology Division Director Argonne National Laboratory (Lemont, IL) View Job Physics Today is published by the American Institute of Physics. To manage your AIP email preferences and newsletter subscriptions, click here. Or unsubscribe from all AIP emails. © 2025 American Institute of Physics. Physics Today 1 Physics Ellipse College Park, MD 20740-3842 +1 301 209 3100