Saturday Morning Physics

 

 

"Saturday Morning Physics Logo"

 

The Saturday Morning Physics program introduces local students and community members to current topics in the physical sciences, presented by scientists active in research. We seek to educate, entertain, and inspire. We offer this program as a community service free to the participants; it is completely funded by Florida State University. Over the years, thousands of students of all ages have enjoyed this program, learning and benefiting from the opportunity to interact directly with working scientists.

The Fall 2023 schedule is now posted!

Fall 2023 Schedule

The presentations will be held in room 101 of the Richards Building (UPL) on the campus of Florida State University (map). The one exception is the

Materials Research for Energy Conversion Applications presentation, which will be held at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, a.k.a., the MagLab (map). Parking is located near both locations. Note that hard-toe shoes are required for the MagLab lab tours - no sandals!

On days with a home football game, the allowed parking areas can be found as the gold regions of this map.  Parking is available in several regions near the Richards (UPL) building, and along Academic Way. Other nearby parking lots include the "McCollum", "Rogers Hall", and "Hull Drive East" parking lots.  The football game schedule can be found here - please note that the timing of the games can change, so please confirm the schedule the day before.

All presentations will begin at 9:30 am and last approximately between 90 minutes and two hours. Refreshments will be provided.

 

Saturday
Topic
Speakers
 
10/7/2023

Physics + Art: Waves

Catch the wave with these spectacular demonstrations of the physics of all types of waves, from the ocean to the radio, and learn how to visualize them!

Dr. Sean Dobbs

Dr. Sara Shields

 
10/14/2023

Particle Physics: Understanding the Universe by Catching a Ghost

Learn how the tiniest bits of matter hold the secrets to some of the universe's biggest questions.

Dr. Daniel Pershey

Dr. Kohsaku Tobioka

 

10/21/2023

Materials Research for Energy Conversion Applications

The search for clean and renewable energy production methods is directly related to discovery of novel materials and composites with desired structural and electronic properties. Thermoelectric devices, which allow for direct energy conversion between heat and electricity, have a unique place in this effort. Learn about the characteristics that make them ideal for applications including electricity generation in extreme and remote environments.

This session will be held at the MagLab, and visitors will have the opportunity to take a MagLab tour. Note that hard-toe shoes are required - no sandals!".

Dr. Guangxin Ni

Dr. Kaya Wei

 
10/28/2023

Forging Elements in Exploding Stars and in the Lab

Discover how exploding stars made us all, and how we study nuclear processes here on Earth.   Additionally, a tour of the accelerator lab at Florida State University will be given. 

Dr. Kevin Fossez

Dr. Mark Spieker

 
11/4/2023

From Quantum Weirdness to Next-Generation Technology

Join us for an engaging exploration of the enigmatic world of quantum mechanics. From the curious properties of quantum superpositions and entanglement to the groundbreaking potential of quantum computers, prepare to step into a realm where traditional physics principles are defied, paving the way for the next generation of technological innovations.

Dr. Nicholas Bonesteel

Dr. Cyprian Lewandowski

Dr. Peng Xiong

 
11/11/2023

How the James Webb Space Telescope and Other Observatories See the Universe

Explore the Universe from sub-atomic particles to black holes to clusters of galaxies.  See how tools like the James Webb Space Telescope, microwave-frequency telescopes, and the LIGO gravitational wave detectors test the extremes of natural laws.

Dr. Kevin Huffenberger

Dr. David Collins

 

Want more information?
Professor Sean Dobbs
Saturday Morning Physics Committee Chair
Physics Department
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4350
phone: 850.645.3812
E-mail: sdobbs@fsu.edu

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