Want to catch a planetarium show, witness a volcanic eruption simulation, make an experiment with standing waves, see a nuclear accelerator in action, or test your (paper) airplane flying skills?
Then come this Saturday April 5th, 2025, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, to the Flying Circus of Physics, the FSU Department of Physics open house.
We have fun activities for kids of all ages, including grown up ones! More information included below.
You can download the 2025 Circus' Poster Here.
Free Planetarium Shows
Want to enjoy a film about the wonders and mysteries of the universe? Then take advantage of our free planetarium shows at the Pat Thomas Planetarium! With state-of-the-art projectors and software we project 360° images of great beauty and realism.
Be sure to collect your FREE PLANETARIUM TICKETS at the Circus' information desk.
|
4/5/2025 show times |
Title | Duration | Ages |
| 11:00am | Earth, Moon & Sun | 20min | 4+ |
| 11:30am | Two Small Pieces of Glass | 25min | 7+ |
| 12:00m | Black Holes | 40min | 10+ |
| 1:00pm | The Dark Matter Mystery | 38min | 11+ |
| 2:00pm | Phantom of the Universe | 28min | 8+ |
| 3:00pm | From Earth to the Universe | 30min | 8+ |
| 3:45pm | Once Upon the Big Bang | 16min | 11+ |
| 4:15pm | Trip Through Space | 30min | 8+ |
Hands-on Experiments
Physics is a science of experiments. Through carefully studying physical phenomena, we learn about the laws of Nature. Join this exploration by visiting our five demonstration rooms where we will have lots of hands-on experiments and fun demonstrations.
| 4/5/2025 times |
Room |
Title |
| 11:00am - 4:00pm | UPL 107 | The Exploration Room |
| 11:00am - 4:00pm | UPL 109 | The Alpha-Beta-Gamma Room |
| 11:00am - 4:00pm | UPL 110 | Mechanics |
| 11:00am - 4:00pm | UPL 112 | Electricity and Magnetism |
| 11:00am - 4:00pm | UPL 114 | Sound and Waves |
Live Presentations at UPL 101
Learn about the exciting research being carried at the FSU Department of Physics. Talk to a scientist about what we know and what we don't know on particle physics, the stars and planets, the quantum universe, volcanoes and superconductivity!
| 4/5/2025 presentation times | Title | Speaker |
| 11:30am | Neutrinos: Understanding the Universe by Catching a Ghost | Daniel Pershey |
| 12:30pm | Tour of the Universe | Nao Suzuki |
| 1:30pm | The Quantum Adventures | Nick Bonesteel |
| 2:30pm | A Simulation of a Volcano Eruption | Emily Stewart |
| 3:30pm | Superconductivity: Resistance is Futile | Zhengguang Lu and He Zhao |
Guided Lab Tours
Ever heard of nuclear physics? You want to recreate in the lab reactions occurring in the hearts of stars? Come and see how it’s done at the nuclear research John D. Fox Laboratory!
Visit also the FSU Condensed Matter Laboratories to see cool demonstrations with cryogens (getting as cold as -320 °F!), experience the wonders of nanotechnology, superconductivity, biophysics, and even touch atoms!
And Much More...
We will have demonstrations by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, and presentations by the Challenger Learning Center, Tallahassee Scientific Society and by FSU Science on the Move. There will also be many surprises, including an exciting flying paper airplane contest!
Location and Parking
We will be located between Keen Building (77 Chieftan Way) and Richards Building UPL (1055 Atomic Way). There will be parking available in the lots near these buildings and all along Academic Way. There is also parking at the Woodward Garage (104 N Woodward Ave).
Hungry, Thirsty?
Don't worry, visit the FSU Student Union, located at 75 N Woodward Ave, where you will find lots of choices for food and retail.