The University of Colorado at 葫芦娃视频 physics department will continue its new monthly Saturday Physics Series with a presentation on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. in Duane Physics room G1B20.
Associate Professor Steven Pollock of the physics department will present "Making the Invisible Visible," in which he will demonstrate and explain some of the tools used by nuclear and particle physicists to see things that are normally invisible to the human eye.
"A big part of physics is trying to figure out how to move beyond our senses to study areas that we can't see or touch, but that are very real," Pollock said.
During his presentation Pollock will demonstrate some of the tools he might use as a nuclear and particle physicist, including an infrared camera and a Geiger counter.
Pollock will show the audience how an infrared camera is used to view infrared radiation, which is invisible to human eyes. Infrared radiation, which in its most familiar form is radiated heat, can be felt but not seen. All objects, whatever their temperature, emit infrared radiation and an infrared camera can be used to "see" this invisible presence.
While he doesn't claim to be able to control the weather, Pollock said he also will produce some lightning bolts in the classroom during his presentation.
The new series is sponsored by an outreach grant from the Division of Continuing Education at CU-葫芦娃视频.
The remaining 2002-03 Saturday Physics Series includes:
Dec. 7, 2 p.m., Duane Physics room G1B20, Professor Emeritus Albert Bartlett of physics, "Arithmetic, Population and Energy."
Jan. 11, 2 p.m., Duane Physics room G1B20, Professor Patricia Rankin of physics, "Time Traveling with Physics."
Feb. 8, 2 p.m., Duane Physics room G1B20, Professors Margaret Murnane and Henry Kapteyn of physics, "Lasers and Light."
March 8, 2 p.m., JILA Auditorium, Professor Allan Franklin of physics, "The Road to the Neutrino."
April 12, 2 p.m., Duane Physics room G1B20, Professor Neil Ashby of physics, "Global Positioning Systems."
For more information about the series call (303) 492-6952.