Welcome to my special bulletin for National Science Week 2009.
There are over 650 events being held around Australia during Science Week, which runs from 15-23 August, and many of them have a focus on physics. National events include a speaking tour by theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss and the Big Aussie Star Hunt.
I’ve listed the National Science Week events below and full details are online at www.scienceweek.gov.au.
I’ve also listed the various AIP events, as a reminder (many of them were in the last bulletin).
Also, I have one news item that can’t wait until the next bulletin: The National Measurement Institute supports young scientists (kindergarten to year 12) each year by contributing a Measurement Prize to the NSW Science Teachers Association Young Scientist competition. The organisers would very much like to have physicists involved in the judging process. Judging will take place on 18-19 September preceded by training sessions on 8 and 10 September at the Australian Catholic University, Strathfield. If you are interested please contact Carole Stanford before 1 September. Email youngscientist001@gmail.com
If you have trouble reading the bulletin in this format, it’s also online at www.aip.org.au and now on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Kind regards,
Brian James,
AIP President (aip_president@aip.org.au)
1. Science week events (www.scienceweek.gov.au)
Science week events (www.scienceweek.gov.au):
National
- “$8000 National 60-second Science Video Competition” is open to all school students. The videos must not only demonstrate a phenomenon but also explain the science behind it, for example, how sound waves travel or how a solar water heater works. Registration by Friday 18 September, videos in by Friday 30 October.
- “Big Aussie Star Hunt” aims to get Australians everywhere to look up at the night sky and learn a few things along the way. You don’t need binoculars or a telescope – just a good view of the sky at night. Visit the Big Aussie Star Hunt website to learn how to spot stars and constellations such as the Southern Cross and Scorpius and discover their Indigenous stories. Take part in the national light pollution survey and you could also win up to $2000 worth of ABC Shop goodies.
- Lawrence Krauss is one of the National Tour guest speakers for Science Week 2009. Theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss, Foundation Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration and Director of the New Origins Initiative at Arizona State University, is famed in the research community for his prescient suggestion that a still mysterious entity called dark energy might dominate the energy of universe and govern its expansion. Lawrence is the author of The Physics of Star Trek and other books, and is active in bringing physics to the community.His National Science Week tour includes the following events.
| Date | Event | Location | More info |
| 19 August | ‘The Physics of Star Trek’ Science at the Redback, with the Australian Science Communicators | 6pm for a 6.30pm start, Redback Hotel, 75 Flemington Rd, Melbourne | Niall Byrne on niall@scienceinpublic.com.au |
| 21 August | ‘The Physics of Star Trek’ | 7pm, University of Adelaide | Rona Sako (08) 8463 5937 |
| 21 August | ‘The Physics of Star Trek’ in Science at the Lakes | 12.30pm, University of South Australia Mawson Lakes Campus | SATL website |
| 22 August | Lawrence will give two sophisticated presentations, ‘An Atom From…’ and ‘The Physics of Star Trek’, to the general public | 4 & 6pm, CSIRO Discovery Centre, Canberra | Cris Kennedy (02) 6276 6225 |
| 23 August | ‘An Atom from …’ hosted by Vic AIP | 3pm, Elisabeth Murdoch Theatre A, University of Melbourne | Nicoleta Dragomir (03) 9919 4635 |
| 23 August | Melbourne Writers Festival | RMIT Capitol Theatre, 221 Swanston St, Melbourne | Writers Festival website or RMIT enquiry (03) 9645 9244 |
| 24 August | The Einstein Lecture, Ultimo Science Festival | 6pm, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney | Tilly Boleyn (02) 8333 2601 |
ACT
Public events
- “Why Science is Failing to Communicate” Dr Rod Lamberts for the ANU Centre for the Public Awareness of Science will be discussing some of the issues he has come across as a science communicator at Innovations Theatre, Australian National University, Canberra on 13 August at 6pm
- “Scinema” focuses on the International Year of Astronomy and the anniversary of Charles Darwin with a program exploring the stars and the continuing evolution of the sciences at CSIRO Discovery, Acton on 15-23 August at 2pm
- “Science and Scientists in the National Portrait Gallery” Andrew Sayers, director of the National Portrait Gallery, will combine science and the arts as he introduces the gallery’s portraits of scientists on 18 August at 6pm
- “Southern Stars At Stromlo” View the spectacular southern sky through the Canberra Astronomical Society’s telescopes at Mt Stromlo Observatory Visitors Centre, Weston Creek on 19 August at 7.30pm
- “Science Week Trivia night” at Unipub, Canberra on 20 August at 6.30pm
- “Bootleg Postcards – the Unofficial Biography of Space Exploration” A journey into deep space, exploring mysteries and the beauty of the cosmos at CSIRO Discovery, Acton on 21 August at 4pm
- “Questacon Workshop Tour” A chance to see behind the scenes where the exhibits are designed and created at Questacon Exhibition Services, Fyshwick on 21 August at 4pm
- “An evening with Dr Karl” Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (ABC and Triple J) will make you laugh while you learn at Boiler House Lecture Theatre, Bruce on 21 August at 6pm
- “Science of sound percussion workshop” an interactive demonstration of the art and science of sound at National Film and Sound Archive, Acton on 22 August at 11am and 3pm
- “2009 – A space oddity” A weekend of science themed improvised comedy at The Street Theatre, Canberra on 21-23 August at 7.30pm
New South Wales
Public events
- “Frontiers of Science” is a display of original artwork and reproductions from the Frontiers of Science comic series, that covered space travel, relativity, climate change and dozens of other science issues, at the ABC Atrium, Ultimo on 10-29 August
- “Fun Park Excursion conducted by Physics is Fun” gives students an opportunity to learn science at a fun park, at Luna Park, Sydney on 14, 17, and 21 August at 11am
- “Snag a Scientist” Local scientists and professionals will gather for a sausage sizzle and mingle with the locals, answering questions and filling in the community about what they do, at Crossing Theatre Grounds, Narrabri on 16 August at 12pm
- “The Dish movie with guest speaker John Sarkissian” Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Moon Landing over drinks with the CSIRO Australia Telescope, while listening to an insider’s perspective of the Parkes Dish’s role in the historical event; then watch the famous movie at Crossing Theatre, Narrabri on 16 August at 3pm
- “Bureau of Meteorology – Open day” with tours of the Bureau office at Norfolk Island Meteorological Office, Norfolk Island, details to be advised
- “Bureau of Meteorology – Open day” with weather balloon release and site tours at Wagga Wagga Field Meteorological Office, Forest Hill on 18 August at 9am
- “Hypersonic Flight Testing in Australia” Learn about the technical issues involved in flying at greater than five times the speed of sound and find out about the latest research into hypersonic propulsion and aerothermodynamics by the Australian Defence Force Academy and elsewhere in Australia at the University of Sydney, Darlington on 19 August at 6pm
- “A night with the stars” A night of optical telescope viewing with staff from the CSIRO Australia Telescope and ANU Siding Spring Observatory – weather permitting at Narrabri Lake, nearby Wilga Pub, Narrabri on 20 August at 6.30pm
- “Astropub” An astronomical evening by CSIRO Australia Telescope and ANU Siding Spring Observatory, with an amusing and educational quiz about the search for the asteroid that could destroy civilisation, Q&A and trivia at Wilga Pub, Narrabri on 20 August at 8pm
- “The Sky’s The Limit: Lecture and Stargazing” Lectures and stargazing to celebrate the international year of astronomy and the scientific contributions of Galileo and Darwin at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney on 22 August at 6pm
Schools events
- “Science in the Bush” is a full day of hands-on activities across the range of scientific endeavour, aimed at year 7-10 school groups, at the University of New England, Armidale on 20 August at 9am
- “Primary school science fair” is all about getting students to participate in a science based activity that asks them to investigate, design, construct and research a specific topic at Crossing Theatre, Narrabri on 20, 21 August at 9am
- “2009 Hydrogen Car and Solar Boat Challenges” A school challenge to build a remote controlled hydrogen powered car plus demonstrations of solar powered boats at Crossing Theatre Grounds, Narrabri on 21 August at 9am
Northern Territory
Public events
- “Top End Science Fair” aimed at upper primary and middle school pupils. Members of the public welcome at CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Berrimah on 18, 19 August at 9am
- “Top End Science Fair Astronomy night” Join an Astronomer from Starsafaris to highlight the current night sky of Darwin at Mindil Beach Sunsets Markets, Darwin on 20 August at 7pm and 8pm
Schools events
- “Very Big Books for Very Little Children” introducing nine books exploring scientific concepts at Central Australian Community Toy Library, Alice Springs on 16-19 August at 9am
Queensland
Public events
- “LESANZ Powering Ideas Seminar” is a panel discussion about the Australian Government innovation policy at McCullough Robertson, Brisbane on 20 August at 6pm
- “National Science Week Open Evening” with astronomy viewing at the Central Highlands Science Centre, Emerald on 21 August at 5pm
- “Astronomy on The Strand” is a series of astronomy-related activities by the beach at The Strand, Townsville on 23 August at 5pm
- “Stars in the Park” Astronomy talk and star gazing in the park at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane on 28 August at 5.30pm
- “Champions of Science and Sport” A fun night of science and sport trivia for the whole family at Indooroopilly Golf Club, Indooroopilly on 28 August at 7pm
Schools events
- “Southbank Science Experience” a day with exciting science experiments for Year 11 & 12 students at Southbank Institute of Technology on 19 August at 9am and 1pm
- “Primary Schools in Space” A day for Year 6 and 7 pupils with activities including making lunar ice cream, comets in the classroom and launching chemical powered rockets at the Kooralbyn International School on 19 August at 11am
South Australia
Public events
- “Open for Science: Science Week at the SA Museum” Nine days of free events at the South Australian Museum, Adelaide on 15-23 August
- “Open Day at Meteorological Office” with tours at the Meteorological Office, Adelaide Airport on 17 August at 8.30am
- “Quest for the South Magnetic Pole” with interactive exhibits and original stereoscopic images this exhibition is an ideal way to learn about exploration, Polar Regions, survival and magnetism at the South Australian Maritime Museum, Port Adelaide on 17-21 August at 10am
- “Open Day at Meteorological Office” with tours at the Mt Gambia Meteorological Office, Mr Gambia on 17 August at 5pm
- “My Work with Carl Sagan” Space artist Jon Lomberg will describe his 25 years of close collaboration with Carl Sagan, the most famous astronomer of the 20th century, at Union Hall, University of Adelaide, Adelaide on 17 August at 6.30pm
- “Young Tall Poppy Science Awards” Breakfast function to announce the winners at Observatory Function Centre, Hackney on 18 August at 7.30am
- “Discovering the South Magnetic Pole” An open conversation with Dr Charlie Barton, the geomagnetic scientist who discovered the South Magnetic Pole in December 2000 after it eluded the world’s most famous explorers for hundreds of years at the State Library of South Australia, Adelaide on 18 August at 6pm
- “Electronics and ICT Career Night” A showcase of electronics and ICT career information for teachers, students and parents at Norwood Town Hall, Norwood on 19 August at 6pm
- “Me in a Scientific World” a family science night with activities for children aged 3 to 6 at Hawthorndene Kindergarten, Hawthorndene on 19 August at 6.30pm
- “South Australian Science Excellence Awards” A gala dinner to celebrate the finalists and announce the winners of the South Australian Science Excellence Awards at the Hilton, Adelaide on 20 August at 7pm
- “Oliphant Science Awards Open Day” See the entries in South Australia’s largest science competition for students at Freemasons Hall, Adelaide on 23 August at 12pm
- “Science Outside the Square-Galileo: night of the stars” A fascinating historical, scientific and artistic insight into life in Galileo’s Europe, touching on everything from Renaissance art to the scientific revolution, telescopes then and now at The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Hindmarsh on 26 August at 7.30pm
- “Moon in the Mall” look at the moon through a variety of telescopes at Rundle Mall, Adelaide on 28 August at 6pm
- “Galaxies” Colin Hill from the Astronomical Society of South Australia will present spectacular images of galaxies as he explains our place in the Universe at the Education Development Centre, Hindmarsh on 28 August at 7pm
- “Astronomical Viewing Night at the Heights” See Jupiter and the Moon up close, view other stars and clusters and galaxies at The Heights Observatory, Modbury Heights on 28 August at 8pm
- “Stockport Observatory Star Party” Look through a variety of telescopes, including one of the largest in South Australia, and view the stars and planets of the night sky at Stockport Observatory, Stockport on 29 August at 8pm
- “Constellations of the Zodiac” Learn how to find the constellations in the night sky at this special session at Adelaide’s Planetarium on 12 September at 7.30pm
Schools events
- “Science at the Lakes 2009′ Schools can bring their students along for this free day of science and technology activities, including Bugs n Slugs, Laser Optics and Star Domes at UniSA Mawson Lakes Campus on 21 August at 10am
- “Super Science Quiz” A big science quiz (with a physics focus) suited to Year 10, 11 or 12 students from schools or colleges located in and around Adelaide at St Peter’s Boys College, Adelaide on 21 August at 2pm
Tasmania
Public events
- “Antarctic Atmospheric Phenomena” is a display of spectacular photos of Antarctic atmospheric phenomena at the Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston on 17-21 August at 9am
- “Weather presentation @ ScientificA” Live experiments and demonstrations in a weather show at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Launceston on 17 August at 5pm
- “Science quiz night: how science smart are you?” Come and test your knowledge at a science quiz suitable for non-scientists and serious science geeks! At the UniBar, University of Tasmania, Hobart on 17 August at 6pm
- “Tasmania’s Energy Future” Speakers from CSIRO, the University of Tasmania and RARE Consulting will address aspects of future energy needs at University Centre, UTAS, Sandy Bay on 18 August at 7.30pm
Schools events
- “Grote Reber Museum and Radiotelescope tours” Find out why radiotelescopes are important and explore the solar system through amazing 3D virtual reality shows. Suitable for Yrs 7-12 at Mt. Pleasant Radio Telescope Observatory on 17-21 August at 9am
- “Science provides options without limits” A variety of hands on science activities for primary school pupils at Elizabeth College, Hobart on 17-21 August at 11am
- “Bureau of Meteorology School visits” will be visiting schools to conduct weather experiments in the St Helens area, tba
Victoria
Public events
- “Discover the Night Sky”, Enjoy a glass of wine and discover a new mystery of the night sky at Melbourne Planetarium on 13, 20, 27 August at 7pm
- “Speed Meet a Geek” is a super-efficient way to find out about the latest research in a huge range of disciplines directly from the fabulous people who are doing it at BMW Edge Theatre, Melbourne on 14 August 6pm
- “Science: fact or fiction?” Join a panel of Australian comedians and museum experts as they tackle the weird and wonderful of the science world in the effort to find out what is actually fact and what is fiction at BMW Edge Theatre on 14 August at 8.30pm
- “Expo: From Research to Reality” See how advanced theories and research ideas are transformed into practical applications, including interactive exhibits and displays at Alan Gilbert Building, University of Melbourne on 16 August at 10am
- “Futures Forum” What does 21st century research look like? Join a public forum at Alan Gilbert Building, University of Melbourne on 16 August at 1pm
- “The Scientwists Astronomy Expo” including a rocket launch, hands-on activities, mini workshops and a dynamic astronomy presentation and , in the evening telescopes for a night of star gazing at Echuca College on 17 August at 3.30pm and 6.30pm
- “Space Weather talk and meet a NASA astronaut” A session about solar flares, solar winds and how they affect us here on Earth at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne on 17 August at 8.30pm
- “Meet a NASA Astronaut” hear from NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, about life as an astronaut and NASA’s plans for the future at Kaleide Theatre, Melbourne on 18 August at 6.30pm
- “Weather in an instant!” See a weather balloon released, hear a talk about how weather is affected by the Indian Ocean and Space and take a tour of the Bureau’s training centre at Glenlitta, Broadmeadows on 19 August at 9am
- “Scinema – Lost In Space” Screening of some Scinema Film Festival films along with a visit from Astronomy Alive. Star gazing from the rooftop and a presentation from an astrophysicist to celebrate International Year of Astronomy at Debney Park Secondary College, Flemington on 19 August at 6.30pm
- “The art and craft of freelance science writing” A one-day course on how to write and broadcast about science – and earn an income at Romsey on 20 August at 9am
- “Weather in an Instant!” Learn about Australia’s climate, severe weather, how to make a weather chart or see how to make clouds in a bottle at Bureau of Meteorology Victorian Regional Office, Docklands on 20 August at 10am
- “Get Totally Spaced” A multimedia talk and Q&A and, weather permitting, telescope viewings at Briars Astronomy Centre, Mt Martha on 21 August and 4 September at 8pm
- “Australian Skeptics” Discover the science behind the paranormal at Scienceworks on 22 August at 10am
- “Inspiring Scientists” Find out more about what exciting opportunities a career in science has to offer at Scienceworks on 22 August at 11am
Schools events
- “Primary Science Transition Workshops” hands-on experiments for local Level 4 primary students on Physical and Chemical Changes at Blackburn High School on 17-21 August at 9am
- “The Scientwists Astronomy Expo” including a rocket launch, hands-on activities, mini workshops and a dynamic astronomy presentation for primary school students from the Echuca/Moama area at Echuca College on 17, 18 August at 9am
- “Family Fun Science Night” Participate in science activities at Camperdown College, Camperdown on 19 August at 6pm
Western Australia
Public events
- “Repairing the Hubble Space Telescope – an Astronaut’s Experience” Astronaut Megan McArthur will share stories of her expedition, astronomical career and fascination with science at The University of Western Australia, Crawley on 14 August at 12pm and 6pm
- “Web broadcast from Gingin Observatory – Radio Astronomy and the Square Kilometre Array” on the role of Gingin Observatory and the Gravity Discovery Centre in providing education facilities and opportunities in astronomy and science plus Western Australia’s role in the Square Kilometre Array at WMC Conference Centre on 15 August
- “Scitech’s 21st Birthday” visit the hands-on science centre with exhibitions, programs and services designed for people of all ages at Scitech, West Perth on every weekend in August 10am
- “Scitech by Night – an Adults only Event” Revisit your childhood by exploring some exhibits from your past as well as the latest feature exhibitions at Scitech, West Perth on 15 August at 6pm
- “Radio Astronomy and the Square Kilometre Array” a discussion about Western Australia’s role in the Square Kilometre Array at Gingin Observatory on 15 August at 7pm
- “Expand your Horizons” An afternoon of thought provoking conversation with the topic “Can science really make a dirrence to the future of our Planet? At Vancouver Café, Albany on 16 August at 2pm
- “Guided Tours at the Bureau of Meteorology Geraldton” for school and community groups on 17 August at 9am
- “Perth Airport Meteorological Office Open Day” with tours and activities on 17 August at 5pm
- “Is There More Than One Universe?” presented by Charley Lineweaver from Australian National University at Geraldton Universities Centre, Geraldton on 17 August at 6pm
- “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and beyond …” Take a breath-taking journey in powers of ten from our Solar System into the outer parts of our Milky Way Galaxy, and beyond, to see the Universe sprinkled with galaxies at Horizon – the Planetarium, West Perth on 17 August at 7pm
- “Is There More Than One Universe?” presented by Charley Lineweaver from Australian National University at the University of Western Australia, Crawley on 19 August at 6pm
- “The Life of Galileo” A production by Theatre Eight with on the opening night a talk about Galileo and the Galileoscope, followed by a star viewing night after the play at Theatre Eight, Geraldton on 20, 21 at 7.30pm and 22 August at 2pm and 7.30pm
- “Star viewing Night” at Theatre Eight, Geraldton on 20 August at 8pm
- “The night sky in the Pilbara” Bring the family along to learn about astronomy, and view the starts and planets using telescopes at Department of Environment and Conservation Conference Room, Karratha Industrial Estate, Karratha on 21 August at 6.30pm
- “Day time astronomy” See the features visible during the day at Department of Environment and Conservation Conference Room, Karratha Industrial Estate, Karratha on 22 August at 9am
- “Science Quiz Night” Family quiz night with questions from easy to expert at Harvey Senior High School, Harvey on 21 August at 7pm
- “The night sky at Port Hedland” Bring the family along to learn about astronomy, and view the starts and planets at Port Hedland Civic Centre, Port Hedland on 22 August at 6.30pm
Schools events
- “Science cafe for girls” hosted by WA Chief Scientist Lyn Beazley and WA’s top female scientists is for female students in years 9-11, 21 August (Note – this event is fully booked)
For more information about these events visit www.scienceweek.gov.au
AIP Science Week events
Australian Capital Territory
ACT: Wednesday 12 August, 6pm (refreshments from 5.30pm)
TITLE: The Moon: a retrospective view
SPEAKER: Ross Taylor, Australian National University
VENUE: Lecture Theatre Chem T2, Building 34, Australian National University
More info at the Tas AIP website
New South Wales
NSW: AIP NSW branch meetings, held in conjunction with the University of Sydney
The NSW branch holds meetings in the Slade Theatre, School of Physics, University of Sydney, from 6.30 pm. Refreshments are available from 6pm and entrance to all events is free. For more info, contact Frederick Osman on fred_osman@exemail.com.au.
| Date | Speaker | Title |
| 18 August | Tony Farmer, CSIRO | High-power ultrasonics and its applications |
NSW: Thursday 20 August, 6.30-7.30pm, refreshments from 6pm, NSW AIP and University of Sydney
Public talk
TITLE: Hunting for antimatter: The 2008 Nobel Prize for Physics
SPEAKER: Kevin Varvell, University of Sydney
VENUE: Slade Lecture Theatre, School of Physics, Camperdown campus, University of Sydney
More info (02) 9351 3472 or outreach@physics.usyd.edu.au. RSVP to Fred Osman on fred_osman@exemail.com.au
NSW: The 2009 Einstein Lecture, Monday 24 August, 6pm, NSW AIP and the Powerhouse Museum
TITLE: Einstein – why is it so?
SPEAKER: Roger Rassool, University of Melbourne
With special guest Lawrence Krauss (see above for his national tour), Arizona State University, talking on ‘Einstein’s biggest blunder: a cosmic mystery story’.
VENUE: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
For more info, contact Frederick Osman on fred_osman@exemail.com.au.
Queensland
QLD: Tools of science series, The Physics Museum, Qld AIP and School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Qld
Tools of science talks are held on Tuesdays in Room 222 Parnell Building, St Lucia campus, University of Queensland, from 6-7pm. The lecture, illustrated where possible with items from the Physics Museum collection, will be followed by a discussion period where participants will be encouraged to show items they have brought along. Light refreshments will be provided courtesy of the School of Mathematics and Physics. The Physics Museum will be open from 5.30pm.
More info at the Tools of Science website or contact Norman Heckenberg on (07) 3365 3369 or heckenberg@physics.uq.edu.au.
| Date | Speaker | Title |
| 18 August | Lindsay Ball | Pocket calculators |
QLD: Youth lecture tour, 3-17 August, Qld AIP and Education Queensland
Astrophysicist Peter Firth will be giving interactive talks to senior school students and running professional development workshops for teachers on astronomy in the context of high school physics. The tour will visit Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Townsville and Mt Isa. For more info contact Peter Firth at firth@physics.uq.edu.au or Kay Lembo from the Science & Maths Education Network at klemb1@eq.edu.au.
South Australia
SA: Friday 21 August, 2-5pm, SA AIP
TITLE: The 2009 AIP-SA super science quiz
For SA secondary school students in years 10-12. Teachers can bring teams of six students.
VENUE: St Peter’s Boys College, Hackney Rd, St Peters, Adelaide
More info at http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/aip-sa/ or from Doug Medwell at doug.medwell@flinders.edu.au or (08) 8201 5881.
Tasmania
TAS: Friday 14 August, 12.30pm
Christine Charles, the 2009 Women in Physics lecturer, will be a guest at a luncheon hosted by Heather Butler MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. The 2009 National Science Week celebrations in Tasmania will be officially inaugurated at the luncheon.
More info: Elizabeth Chelkowska Elizabeth.Chelkowska@environment.tas.gov.au
Victoria
VIC: Thursday 20 August, 6.30pm (refreshments from 6pm), Vic AIP
2009 Women in Physics public lecture
TITLE: To planets or just to the shops: plasmas pave the path
SPEAKER: Christine Charles, Australian National University
VENUE: Hercus Theatre, David Caro (Physics) Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville
VIC: AIP lecture for students, 20-21 August
Christine Charles, the 2009 AIP Women in Physics lecturer, will give a lecture – Children of the stars, plasma is the fourth dimension of matter – at the following schools.
| Date | School | Contact |
| 20 August | 9.50am, MLC, Barkers Rd, Kew | Jill Crawford at crawfojk@mlc.vic.edu.au |
| 20 August | 12pm, VSSEC at Strathmore High School | Naomi Mathers at naomi.mathers@vssec.vic.edu.au |
| 21 August | 9.30am, Matthew Flinders Girls’ High School | Ken Walker at walker.ken.k@edumail.vic.gov.au |
VIC: Sunday 23 August, 3-4pm, Vic AIP and University of Melbourne, National Science Week
TITLE: An atom from…
SPEAKER: Lawrence Krauss, Arizona State University (see above for his national tour)
VENUE: Elisabeth Murdoch Theatre A, University of Melbourne, Parkville
More info at the University of Melbourne events website or contact Gaby Bright on gbright@unimelb.edu.au
Western Australia
WA: International Year of Astronomy public lecture series
The Astronomical Society of Australia has chosen speakers to communicate the excitement of astronomy to the general public in Perth, as part of the International Year of Astronomy. The public lectures are at 6pm, at venues shown below.
For more info go to the Institute of Advanced Studies, UWA, website or call (08) 6488 1340 or email iasuwa@admin.uwa.edu.au.
| Date | Speaker | Title | Venue |
| 19 August | Charley Lineweaver, Australian National University | Is there more than one universe? | Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWA |
The lecture series is hosted by the Astronomical Society of Australia, with the AIP, University of Western Australia, Scitech, Curtin University of Technology Institute of Theoretical Physics and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research
WA: Thursday 20 August, 1-2pm, WA AIP
John De Laeter Youth Lecture, to be introduced by the WA Chief Scientist, Lyn Beazley
TITLE: Are we alone?
SPEAKER: Charley Lineweaver, Australian National University
VENUE: Octagon Theatre, University of Western Australia
For school years 10-12
More information at the WA AIP website.
Kind regards,
Brian
——————————————————————-
Assoc. Prof. Brian James
President of the Australian Institute of Physics
Phone: +61 (2) 9351-2471
Email: aip_president@aip.org.au
(Sent by Niall Byrne, Science in Public on behalf of the Australian Institute of Physics, www.aip.org.au)