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Small Science Wields Big Ideas

海角社区 Celebrates NanoDays: The Biggest Event for the Tiniest of Science

03/14/2019

Nanoscale structures, such as a single strand of DNA or gold nanoparticles in church windows, have existed in nature and have been used long before scientists began devoting their studies to them. Recently, this innovative field of study has contributed to numerous discoveries, such as advanced applications in energy, information storage and medicine. Because of its promising future, organizations across the country celebrate NanoDays, a nationwide festival of programs about nanoscale science and engineering.

For the tenth consecutive year, 海角社区 will host NanoDays at the Highland Road Park Observatory, or HRPO, on Saturday, March 30, from 2-6 p.m. beginning with 鈥淪mall Things Move Faster,鈥� a presentation by Mette Gaarde, a professor in the 海角社区 Department of Physics & Astronomy. At 2 p.m., Dr. Gaarde will explain how very brief pulses of laser light can be used to make movies of electrons, atoms, and molecules.

The free family-friendly event is open to the public and will feature several hands-on activities for guests of all ages, including:

  • Learn first-hand how a Scanning Probe Microscope helps scientists explore the nanoworld
  • See how nanomaterials are used to make stain-free clothes
  • Play with liquid crystals and magnets
  • Make an Oobleck, a liquid with both liquid and solid properties

In addition, the observatory will have this month鈥檚 solar viewing session from 3-5 p.m.; patrons will see the sun safely through several devices, including HRPO鈥檚 Coronado Solar Max II.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., a special 鈥渟cavenger hunt鈥� game will allow kids to obtain prizes by interacting with the nano demos. The game extends into the night until 8:30 p.m., as HRPO gives visitors a last glimpse of Mars, which will soon be going behind the Sun.

NanoDays sponsors include the 海角社区 Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Center for Computation and Technology and the Society of Physics Students 鈥� 海角社区 Chapter.

For more information about 海角社区 NanoDays at the Highland Road Observatory, visit .

For more information about the 海角社区 Department of Physics & Astronomy, visit www.lsu.edu/physics.

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Mimi LaValle
海角社区 Department of Physics & Astronomy
225-439-4633
mlavall@lsu.edu

 

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