Suffolk Reporter

Brookhaven National Laboratory will host "Fascinating Physics" on September 15, 2024. The event features a series of activities and talks aimed at making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public.

One of the scheduled activities is "Fantastic Forces," a show where a circus performer demonstrates tricks with scientific explanations. This session, suitable for all ages, will take place in Berkner Auditorium at noon, 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Doors open 15 minutes before each showtime.

Another highlight is "STAR-struck!" which offers a virtual visit to the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Gene Van Buren and Rongrong Ma from the Physics Department will present this talk, recommended for ages 10 and older. Sessions are scheduled at various times throughout the day in the Hamilton Seminar Room, Chemistry Building (Bldg. 555).

Additionally, visitors can learn about the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), touted as the world's next major discovery machine.

The event also includes tours of significant facilities such as the Superconducting Magnet Division and Tandem Van de Graaff. These tours start in Berkner Hall Room B, with bus transportation provided to each facility. Attendees must arrive by 2:30 p.m. for the last bus departures.

Attendees can explore sPHENIX, an experiment at RHIC featuring a powerful magnet used to measure properties of fundamental particles. This activity is also recommended for ages 10 and older.

The event promises fun physics activities throughout the day while adhering to Brookhaven Lab's policy on event photography and video recording.