Physics Department to Host Open House for All Ages
OGDEN, Utah – What do space aliens, glowing pickles, floating soap and cats have in common? They’re all part of a physics open house coming to Weber State University in April.WSU’s Department of Physics will host the second annual Physics Open House, April 18 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Lind Lecture Hall. The event, which is free and open to all ages, will feature presentations and demonstrations conducted by WSU physics faculty and students.
Scheduled events include the “Circus of Physics” demonstration show presented by Adam Johnston and Colin Inglefield featuring levitating billiard balls and disappearing test tubes in addition to the aforementioned pickles and soap.
In demonstrations on electricity, spinning objects, and cats, Ron Galli will answer the age-old question: Why do cats always land on their feet?
Last year’s inaugural open house attracted more than 600 visitors, far exceeding event organizers’ expectations.
“I was blown away by the support of the community last year,” said assistant professor John Armstrong. “So we’ve expanded the offerings.”
The expanded event will include presentations by Weber State faculty and students on “The Incredible Expanding Universe,” “Great Observatories of the World,” “Lasers: The Light Fantastic,” and “The Search for Life Beyond Earth.” The Ott Planetarium also will be presenting shows and a star party that evening.
Weather permitting, WSU’s high-altitude ballooning team will inflate a giant helium balloon, part of a vehicle to deliver student-built instruments to the edge of space.
The open house also will feature: The Nano Room, Mars 3-D Imagery, Lasers Ricochet and activities for all ages.
Visit space.weber.edu/openhouse for a complete list of all the activities planned at the open house, along with directions and other event information.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
- John Kowalewski, director of Media Relations
(801) 626-7212 • jkowalewski@weber.edu - Contact:
- John Armstrong, assistant physics professor
801-626-6215 · jcarmstrong@weber.edu