DATES: Oct. 21 and 28; Nov. 4, 11 and 18; Dec. 2 and 9

EVENT: The fall 2006 Saturday Morning Physics Series

Saturday Morning Physics is a series of multimedia cutting-edge science talks for general audiences at the University of Michigan. Talks will be given by our U-M physics scholars presenting topics for the general public which are central to their research. This fall offers a diverse selection of topics ranging from biophysics to rocket science, to astrophysics and finally automotive efficiencies.

Over the past decade, the easily understood, informal lectures of Saturday Morning Physics have provided their enthusiastic audiences with an enjoyable understanding of physics and a broad reach into modern science as a whole.

The fall 2006 Saturday Morning Physics schedule:

Oct. 21, Oct. 28

Andrew Tomasch, lecturer

Higher, Faster, Longer: From the Physics of Model Rocketry to Rocket Science.

Explore the physics and engineering techniques of hobby experimentation by examining a variety of flying model rockets, airplanes and toys in the first lecture. The second lecture will illustrate how principles learned from experimentation can be applied to the design and construction of new undergraduate lab experiments.

Nov. 4, Nov. 11, Nov. 18

Eli Rykoff, research fellow

Apocalypse Maybe: Speculative Doomsday Scenarios for the End of the Earth.

What would happen to the Earth if a massive star exploded nearby? What if an asteroid or comet hit the Earth? Could Little Green Men invade our planet? In this series, we will address various doomsday scenarios and the implications for humanity and life on Earth. The first talk addresses the death of stars, including our own Sun. The second talk will investigate the unlikely possibility that a large object could hit the earth. Finally, the series closes with more speculative and outlandish scenarios, including the possible ” Big Rip” at the end of the universe.

Dec. 2, Dec. 9

Marc Ross, professor emeritus

Automobile Efficiencies: Reducing Fuel Use while Improving Safety Reducing the mass of motor vehicles is critical to improving their fuel economy. It is commonly accepted that lighter cars will be more dangerous. In the first talk, we will examine technologies that can result in dramatic improvements in fuel economy. The second talk will explore how improved design can result in decreased vehicle mass while preserving safety.

PLACE/TIME: The lectures are held in rooms 170 and 182 of the Dennison Building, 500 Church St., on the U-M Central Campus (Ann Arbor) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays and are preceded by refreshments and followed by question-and-answer sessions. High school students are especially encouraged to attend, and audience members of all ages are welcome.

SPONSORS: The Dr. M. Lois Tiffany Endowment, gifts made by friends of the program, and the University of Michigan Physics Department. Videotape funding is provided by Pfizer Inc.

REGISTRATION: No registration required. Free and open to the public. The Church Street Parking Structure is available for each of the SMP lectures for $2.

More information about Saturday Morning Physics