RATIONALE: sci.physics.relativity Subjects related to special and general relativity are frequently discussed in a number of news groups but there is not yet a dedicated group for these topics despite the large volume of posts. Sci.physics is the most appropriate group for most such discussions at the moment and the Physics FAQ already covers many questions on relativity. Sci.astro also hosts discussions on some related topics in astronomy and its FAQ also has a section on relativity. But relativity threads often get cross-posted to other groups where they are sometimes regarded as off-topic. Even in sci.physics and sci.astro the speculative nature of some discussions is regarded as more suitable for alt.sci.physics.new-theories. The problem is significant because of the volume and longevity of some of those threads. Sci.physics.relativity would provide a dedicated forum for the discussion of the special and general theories of relativity where speculative ideas, as well as conventional theory, may be discussed. END RATIONALE. CHARTER: sci.physics.relativity Appropriate postings would include, but not be limited to: 1. Queries regarding special and general relativity 2. How to resolve relativity paradoxes 3. Black holes, worm holes and singularities 4. Big Bang and other cosmological models of space-time 5. Equivalence of mass and energy 6. The speed of light and gravity 7. Time dilation, space contraction, redshifts 8. Causality, and faster than light travel 9. The large and small scale structure of space-time 10. Discussion of the scope and validity of relativity 11. Viability of alternative theories to relativity 12. Experimental tests of Relativity 13. Gravitational waves 14. Theories and concepts which take us beyond relativity The news group sci.physics.relativity will be open to discussion on all levels. It will accept talk about alternative theories and other controversial discussions about relativity which would be outside the charter of most other sci newsgroups, as well as more mainstream discussion on physics as described by Einstein's theory of relativity and modern research to develop more unified theories combining relativity and quantum mechanics. This reflects the kind of threads which are now popular in usenet on the subject of relativity. The FAQ introduction will advise caution against cross posting to other groups.