Posted on behalf of Rob Robinson, President of the Australian Institute of Physics.
Once again it’s that exciting time of year, when scientists and science-lovers across Australia join together for National Science Week. This year’s festival officially runs for nine days, from 16 to 24 August. At the time of writing there are almost 700 events in the National Science Week calendar, with more being added all the time. This special bulletin brings you some of the physics highlights.
Juan Collar from the University of Chicago is a leader in dark matter research. He’ll be giving a series of free public lectures in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, in which he’ll talk about how researchers hunt for dark matter particles, often underground in mines and tunnels to reduce interference from known particles. He’ll discuss the challenges, the progress so far, and his optimism that discovery may be near.
In Tasmania, Australia’s Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt will describe the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe and the existence of Dark Energy. In lectures in both Launceston and Hobart, he will explain how astronomers, like his own High-Redshift Supernova Search Team, have used observations to trace our universe’s history back more than 13 billion years, leading them to ponder the ultimate fate of the cosmos.
Those in Western Australia can attend the AIP WA Branch’s Physics in Industry evening, bringing together physicists from industry, universities and elsewhere in an informal setting to share information and celebrate our common interests.
Stories of scientific and technological achievements from Melbourne will be told and celebrated by an expert panel, including the AIP’s past-president Cathy Foley.
And elsewhere:
- The Sydney Science Forum will look at how physics is revolutionising medicine with new imaging techniques and nano-medicine.
- The Everyday Einstein series at the Queensland Museum & Sciencentre will showcase young researchers and the Australian Synchrotron.
- Astronaut Chris Hadfield of Space Oddity fame will appear in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.
- The Darwin Deckchair Cinema will put on a free screening of the documentary Particle Fever, about the discovery of the Higgs boson.
- Astronomy nights around the country, but especially in outback areas, will treat stargazers to a view of western and Aboriginal astronomy.
Follow the links below to find out more about the selected events, and look for the AIP logo 
to see the events that the AIP is involved with. You can view the full Science Week program at www.scienceweek.net.au, and you will also find plenty of great events after the 24 August too.
Regards,
Rob
Rob Robinson
President, Australian Institute of Physics
aip_president@aip.org.au
NOTES:
- If you have trouble reading the bulletin in this format, it’s also online at www.aip.org.au. You can also read it and RSS it on my blog and on LinkedIn.
- Replies to this email go to Niall Byrne, Science in Public, whose team compiles and manages the bulletin on my behalf, and also handles corrections, updates and bounces. If you have news or other information for our next bulletin, due at the end of August, email Chris on chris@scienceinpublic.com.au by Monday 25 August.
In this issue…
- National Science Week events
- Submissions to the bulletin and journal
- Contributions and contact details
National Science Week events
ACT |
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| Science in ACTion 16 August 2014 Melville Hall, Ellery Crescent, Australian National University, Acton |
Science in ACTion brings the ANU campus alive with interactive displays, workshops and shows at Melville Hall and Manning Clarke theatres. Science, art, dance, innovation, career information – there’s something for everyone to see, hear or try! Free, Wheelchair access |
| The science of electricity, light and the future! 16 August 2014 Japan Theatre, Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes |
With flame balls, explosions, the electromagnetic dance, a game of ‘The Kilowatt hour is Right’, and a bunch of hands-on demonstrations, this action-packed show takes down-to-earth look at how electricity works and gets our brains ticking about what the electrical future will be. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Dr Graham’s Blow Up Science 16 August 2014 ANU Manning Clark Centre (MCC) theatre 3, Australian National University, Acton |
Join us for the ultimate thrill-seeker science show experience as we blast, launch, laugh, ignite and explode our way through some astonishing physics and chemistry! An action packed show fun for the whole explosion-loving family. Free, Wheelchair access |
| The Rocky Road to Science—Songs, stories and ‘speriments 16 August 2014 Manning Clarke Lecture Theatre 6, ANU, Acton |
Science sounds so perfect, but researchers regularly wander down the garden path, up the creek and through the mill. Pluto, climate change and purple grass get caught in the cross fire as Phil Dooley shows that facts and truth are only half the story of science. Free |
| Dissected by Time & Space 16 August – 7 September 2014 Strathnairn Arts Centre, Stockdill Drive, Holt |
The event is an exhibition of my art works that have found inspiration in science, that is the science of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Glass and Science 21 August 2014 Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston |
What is glass? What are the different properties of glass? Glass is full of science. Come and see artists work and discover the science behind glass. Our new Glass and Science Education Resource will be launched on the night. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Mt Stromlo Observatory Site Tour 23 August 2014 Mt. Stromlo Observatory, Scope Café, Stromlo Road, Weston Creek |
Take a free, guided walking tour of Mt. Stromlo Observatory and learn about its history, science, and future. Free |
| Space Oddity—A special event with Astronaut Chris Hadfield 24 August 2014 Llewellyn Hall – ANU School of Music, William Herbert Place, Canberra |
The former commander of the International Space Station became the coolest astronaut in the world when he recorded David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” in zero gravity. Since returning to Earth, he’s inspired audiences across Europe and North America with live talks on space, science and achieving your dreams. Wheelchair access |
New South Wales |
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| Physics is Fun 14 July – 26 September 2014 Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point |
‘Physics is Fun’ provide fun park excursions at Luna Park Sydney for any size school group from any school faculty on Mondays & Fridays. Our special school prices are at a great discount on standard entry prices charged by Luna Park Sydney and are the lowest prices available. Wheelchair access |
| Australian Museum Science Festival 2014: Primary school week 12–14 August 2014 Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney |
At the Australian Museum Science Festival primary students attend activities that showcase a range of sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, maths, engineering, earth and environmental sciences, through an engaged learning experience. Wheelchair access |
| Shell Questacon Science Circus Public Exhibition 16–17 August 2014 Whitlam Leisure Centre, Memorial Avenue, Liverpool |
The Shell Questacon Science Circus is a great opportunity for parents and children to share, discover and explore science together. You can encourage a fascination and enjoyment of science by exploring hands-on exhibits. Come along and spin like an ice-skater, discover how fast you can throw a ball, freeze your shadow on a wall and test your reflexes. |
| Ringmasters Science Lab Workshop 16–17 August 2014 Powerhouse Discovery Centre, 172 Showground Road, Castle Hill |
Come along to the ‘lab’ for some hands-on science fun learning about energy, electricity and the impact it has on our earth. Learn how to master Newton’s forces and even power up using a potato! Wheelchair access |
| Liquid Nitrogen Show 16–17 August 2014 Powerhouse Discovery Centre, 172 Showground Road, Castle Hill |
What happens to living things if they are frozen? How can Newton’s third law of motion explain a liquid nitrogen sprinkler? Just what is the Leidenfrost effect anyway? Presented as part of the Amazing Science Circus 3.0 open weekend. Wheelchair access |
| Sparking Innovation in Evolution 16–17 August 2014 Cameron Park Kart Raceway, 5 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park |
The Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival is the most comprehensive electric vehicle festival in Australia! The Festival is all about thinking of sustainable transport in fun and innovative ways that support the development of electric vehicle industries in the region. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Science on Show! 16–24 August 2014 Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo |
Come and join us each weekend in the Experimentations Theatrette for some spectacular science show fun. Harness the power of steam, watch things glow, explore the impacts of extreme cold with liquid nitrogen or make your hair stand on end. Wheelchair access |
| Powerhouse Museum FabLab 16–24 August 2014 Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo |
An evolving working space that will showcase contemporary and cutting edge applications of digital fabrication and design practice. Featuring a range of technology including Makerbot 3D printers, scanners and lasercutters, this hub for making in the Powerhouse Museum will provide the public with the opportunity to see how digital fabrication processes work. Wheelchair access |
| Western & Aboriginal Astronomy Skills Development Workshop 17 August 2014 Robinson College, Wentworth Road, Broken Hill |
We are looking for people who want to participate in a workshop to develop skills in Western and Aboriginal Astronomy. You will showcase your newly developed skills later in the week in a special community presentation at which the Far West NSW Science Hub will also be launched. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Portable Planetarium 18–22 August 2014 Newcastle Museum, Workshop Way, Honeysuckle |
Go starry-eyed as you take a trip around our night sky in a portable planetarium at Newcastle Museum. Wheelchair access |
| Science for Life 18 August 2014 Wiripaang Public School, 2A Pacific Highway, Gateshead |
A K-6 Science Day Tabloid run and supported by our local high school students in physics, biology and chemistry. The activities are designed to inspire a love of Science and an interest in the concepts and fields presented. A combined lunch between the feeder school to establish transition bonds, interest and discussion of scientific investigation. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Sydney Ideas: X-ray Crystallography, a new view of the world 18 August 2014 Law School LT 101, Level 1, Sydney Law School Eastern Avenue, The University of Sydney |
Find out about this profound discovery and how it transformed our world, when Professor Stephen Curry speaks at Sydney Ideas during National Science Week and to celebrate 2014 being the International Year of Crystallography. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Australian Museum Science Festival 2014: Secondary school week 19–21 August 2014 Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney |
At the Australian Museum Science Festival secondary students can attend activities that showcase a range of sciences, through an engaged learning experience. Wheelchair access |
| Sapphire Coast Science Festival—Aboriginal Science and Astronomy 19 August 2014 Jigamy Farm, Broadwater via Pambula, Princes Highway, Pambula |
Join members of the local community and an expert from the University of NSW to learn about some of the amazing Aboriginal Science and astronomy of the past and present. Free |
| The Hunt for Dark Matter 19 August 2014 Slate Lecture Theatre, School of Physics, Bulding A28, Physics Road , University of Sydney, Camperdown |
Prof Juan Collar from the University of Chicago is a leader in dark matter research. He will talk about the worldwide hunt for dark matter and how teams of researchers search for these particles. Find out if we are close to discovering dark matter. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Powerhouse Museum Fablab: Laser cutting demonstrations 20–24 August 2014 Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo |
Drop in for free demonstrations of laser cutting. See samples being designed and cut, plus take home small custom-made pieces. Conducted by designer Rebekah Araullo. Free with museum entry, Wheelchair access |
| Sydney Science Forum 20 August 2014 Eastern Avenue Auditorium, The University of Sydney, Camperdown |
Forward Momentum: How physics is revolutionising medicine. Get a tantalising glimpse of the next generation of medical breakthroughs enabled by physics, as Associate Professor Zdenka Kuncic reveals current research in areas such as nano-medicine of biomedical research. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Fact or Fiction Sydney 2014 21 August 2014 Easter Avenue Auditorium , University of Sydney, Sydney |
Fact or Fiction: where the world of popular sci-fi film collides with cutting edge science. Free |
| National Measurement Institute—Student Discovery Day, NSW: N Ryde lab tour 22 August 2014 National Measurement Institute, North Ryde Laboratories, 105 Delhi Road, North Ryde |
The National Measurement Institute is Australia’s peak measurement body. Student Discovery Day NSW is a time when we invite interested university students and staff to visit NMI’s Sydney-based laboratories to learn more about our scientific work and explore opportunities for student and collaborative projects in the forthcoming year. Free |
| National Measurement Institute—Student Discovery Day, NSW: Lindfield lab tour 22 August 2014 National Measurement Institute, Lindfield Laboratories, 36 Bradfield Road, West Lindfield |
The National Measurement Institute is Australia’s peak measurement body. Student Discovery Day NSW is a time when we invite interested university students and staff to visit NMI’s Sydney-based laboratories to learn more about our scientific work and explore opportunities for student and collaborative projects in the forthcoming year. Free |
| The Indigenous Science Experience @ Redfern Community Centre 23 August 2014 Redfern Community Centre, 29-53 Hugo Street, Redfern |
Everyone of all ages is welcome to join us for a fantastic Family Science Fun Day! Celebrate science and share knowledge and ideas with scientists from Macquarie University and Aboriginal Elders and community members from all over the country at the cultural centre of Sydney, the Redfern Community Centre. See native wildlife, try some bush medicine, learn the physics of boomerang throwing and much MUCH more. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Space Oddity—A special event with Astronaut Chris Hadfield (18+) 23 August 2014 Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo |
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield is making his way to Australia for the first time. The former commander of the International Space Station became the coolest astronaut in the world when he recorded David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” in zero gravity. Since returning to Earth, he’s inspired audiences across Europe and North America with live talks on space, science and achieving your dreams. |
| Special Outback Astronomy Presentation 24 August 2014 Robinson College, Wentworth Road, Broken Hill |
A special Western and Aboriginal Astronomy presentation will be held to entertain and inform the general public in Broken Hill. It will demonstrate how science and cultural concepts can be combined to create innovative opportunities in future science studies and astro-tourism careers. Free, Wheelchair access |
Northern Territory |
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| National Science Week Astronomy Night 16 August 2014 Alice Springs Desert Park Courtyard, 539 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs |
The night sky comes alive for Science Week at Alice Springs Desert Park. Meet the constellations, tour the Milky Way, gaze at the planets and celebrate darkness with the Alice Springs Astronomy Club. Meet local astronomers with their telescopes to share in their passion and listen as they broadcast live updates on the changing night sky. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Hands On Science Time 17 August 2014 Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Kitchener Drive, Darwin |
The CSIRO Education Centre of the NT will set out a range of hands on science tasks for all children young and old, to explore, invent and discover. You may even make the longest potential energy chain or witness extreme releases of energy. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Free screening at the Deckchair Cinema 20 August 2014 DeckChair Cinema, Jervois Road, Darwin |
The National Science Week Committee of the NT invite you to come along to a free screening of the documentary – Particle Fever. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Profs and Pints—Darwin 21 August 2014 Darwin Railway Club, 17 Somerville Gardens, Parap |
Pints. Profs. Science. Join us for a few drinks and a discussion on whether there are there facts we shouldn’t know, technologies we shouldn’t have and lines we shouldn’t cross? In a world of smallpox, chlorofluorocarbons and nuclear weapons, how do we draw the lines of ethical science? And if we trespass too far, can we put the lid back on Pandora’s box? Free |
| Uluru Astronomy Weekend 22–24 August 2014 Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara Drive, Yulara |
Celebrating the vast outback night sky, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and leading experts provide astro-statistics, the structure of the cosmos, fun family activities, an exciting Galaxy Star Ball and more. Held at Ayers Rock Resort, in partnership with ARC Centre of Excellence for All-sky Astrophysics. Free (charges apply for dining events and Outback Sky Journeys) |
| Kormilda College Astronomy Evening 28 August 2014 Kormilda College, Berrimah Road, Berrimah |
The Science department will conduct a free astronomy night for staff, students and the local community focussing on both western and indigenous knowledge systems. Free, Wheelchair access |
Queensland |
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| Explosive Science @ Brisbane Ekka 8–17 August 2014 Royal Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane |
Street Science will facilitate a collaborative event which will promote science engagement amongst the wider Brisbane community. This explosive event will bring together Brisbane’s best scientists and educators to run daily hands-on activities. Wheelchair access |
| YSA Science Buskers 18–22 August 2014 Queensland Museum & Sciencentre, Grey Street, South Bank |
The Young Scientists of Australia – Brisbane Chapter will don their lab coats and set about the crowds, meeting, greeting and sparking your curiosity for science. Come up close and personal with our street performing scientists from YSA as they entertain you with tricky pocket experiments; explaining complicated ideas through simple visual games. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Science & Engineering Super Challenge 18 August 2014 University of the Sunshine Coast Health & Sports Stadium, Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs |
The State Final of the popular Science & Engineering Challenge will kick off National Science Week activities at the University of the Sunshine Coast, on Monday August 18. An estimated 250 Year 10 students, representing 8 schools, will be competing for State honours at the 2014 Sunshine Coast Super Challenge which will be held at the USC Sports Stadium. Free, Wheelchair access |
| The Bazinga Moment 19 August 2014 Queensland Museum & Sciencentre, Grey Street, South Bank |
Witness the great debate of the young science minds of the Queensland Academies and the QM&S Scientists as they battle the question: The most important discipline area in science for the future will be… Free, Wheelchair access |
| 4ZZZ live radio broadcast 20 August 2014 Queensland Museum & Sciencentre, Grey Street, South Bank |
Join The Professor from 4ZZZ FM live at the Queensland Museum & Sciencentre as he brings you the latest and greatest science facts, interviews, topical discussions and answers. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Australian Synchrotron 21 August 2014 Queensland Museum & Sciencentre, Grey Street, South Bank |
Researchers from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience located at UQ will use their allocated beamtime to investigate materials and discuss their findings. This demonstration will be the first public offering in Queensland and is bound to engage all audiences. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Awesome Aerodynamics 23 August 2014 Sunnybank Hills Library, Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, Cnr Compton & Calam Road, Sunnybank Hills |
Discover the science of aerodynamics by making a paper aeroplane designed to twist, twirl, go fast and even carry secret messages. Free, Wheelchair access |
South Australia |
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| Fab Lab Adelaide Open House 14–15, 21–22, 28–29 August 2014 Fab Lab Adelaide, Adelaide College of the Arts, Light Square, Adelaide |
Drop into Fab Lab Adelaide and check out the 3D printers and laser etching/cutting machines and sign up for an induction. Fab Lab Adelaide is a community inventors’ workshop and a dedicated space for small scale digital fabrication. Free, Wheelchair access |
| The Hunt for Dark Matter 20 August 2014 Napier Lecture Theatre 102 , Level 1, Napier Building, North Terrace, University of Adelaide, Adelaide |
Prof Juan Collar from the University of Chicago is a leader in dark matter research. He will talk about the worldwide hunt for dark matter and how teams of researchers search for these particles. Find out if we are close to discovering dark matter. Free, Wheelchair access |
| A Night Under the Stars 23 August 2014 Roxby Downs Golf Club, Roxby Downs |
Make the most of Roxby’s perfectly clear skies and discover the universe above. This event features TED talk guest speaker Alice Gorman, aka ‘Dr Space Junk’, discussing the cultural history of space exploration. Then it’s lights out for the astronomy session. Free |
| YSA Takes to the Streets 24 August 2014 Rundle Mall, Adelaide |
Young Scientists Australia will be celebrating National Science Week with interactive and exciting science shows and demonstrations around the city of Adelaide. People of all ages are encouraged to come along and be amazed! Free |
| SciWorld Sunday Mount Gambier 24 August 2014 Main Corner Complex, 1 Bay Road, Mount Gambier |
SciWorld Sunday is a FREE celebration of science that has become a much-loved event in Mount Gambier every year. This year SciWorld brings their new Liquid Nitrogen Science Show to town, native animals, Stardomes and many hands-on activities for all ages. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Oliphant Science Awards Open Day 2014 24 August 2014 Thebarton Community Centre, 60-78 South Road, Thebarton |
Oliphant Science Awards Open Day 2014 free event will showcase the winning projects from the 2014 competition, as well as having a program filled with exciting science shows and come & try activities highlighting the fun of science. Free |
Tasmania |
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| UTas Radio Telescope and Grote Reber Museum 4–29 August 2014 UTas Radio Telescope & Grote Reber Museum, Denholms Road, Cambridge |
The UTas Radio Telescope and Grote Reber Museum offer tours of the facility during National Science Week (Aug 2014) to interested groups (10 or more) at 50% of the normal cost. Price is $2 per person, tours take approx 1 1/2 hours. Bookings are essential. Wheelchair access |
| “The Accelerating Universe” with Nobel Laureate, Brian Schmidt 19 August 2014 Lecture Theatre 5, Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre, University of Tasmania, Newnham Campus, Newnham Drive, Newnham |
Australian Nobel Laureate Prof Brian Schmidt will be presenting a public talk, titled “The Accelerating Universe”, at the Launceston campus of the University of Tasmania . In this talk he will describe, in easy to understand language, the work that led to his 2011 Nobel Prize for Physics. Free, Wheelchair access |
| “The Accelerating Universe” with Nobel Laureate, Brian Schmidt 20 August 2014 Stanley Burbury Theatre University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay Campus, Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay |
Australian Nobel Laureate Prof Brian Schmidt will be presenting a public talk, titled “The Accelerating Universe”, at the Sandy Bay campus of the University of Tasmania. In this talk he will describe, in easy to understand language, the work that led to his 2011 Nobel Prize for Physics. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Science Symposium 21 August 2014 Elizabeth College, 256 Elizabeth Street, Hobart |
Hosted by Elizabeth College, this symposium will present the research work of students, past and present, in areas such as environmental science, chemistry and physics. Free |
| What is X-Ray Crystallography and How Did it Transform Our View of the World? 22 August 2014 Chemistry Lecture Theatre 1, Chemistry Building, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay |
Professor Stephen Curry of Imperial College (London) will be speaking about X-ray Crystallography at this free lecture open to the public. This is the International Year of Crystallography, come learn about what it means and hear about how it links with our Australian scientific history. Free, Wheelchair access |
| An Evening Under the Southern Sky 23 August 2014 Clarendon House, 234 Clarendon Station Road, Nile |
This is one of our regular monthly astronomy nights where amateur astronomers from the north of Tasmania gather with their telescopes. |
| Radio Broadcasting on the Edge, FM and Beyond 24 August 2014 The Arts Factory, 456 Macquarie Street, South Hobart |
Join Edge Radio and former ABC staff for this short workshop on broadcast technology. Learn about the history of radio broadcasting, where we are now (FM and digital radio) and where we’re going. The session will finish with a small scale experiment – bring your own portable FM radio to join in! Free |
| Working With Crystals—TSTS Challenge 2014 31 August 2014 Activities Centre, TUU Building, University of Tasmania, 2 Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay |
Explore the amazing word of crystals with students taking part in the Tasmanian Science Talent Search. Free |
| Mt Pleasant Radiotelescope Observatory and Grote Reber Museum Open Day 31 August 2014 Mt Pleasant Radiotelescope Observatory, Denholms Road, Cambridge |
Take a look into space while feasting on fine foods! The UTAS Radio Telescope Observatory will be open to the public with tours of the 26m radio telescope dish, every half hour. The Grote Reber Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Grote Reber, known as the ‘father’ of radio astronomy. This fabulous facility overlooking the Coal River will host Slow Food, as well as other fine food stalls from the Coal Valley. There will also be 3D movies and science fun for all the family! Gold coin donation |
Victoria |
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| Elemental Harmonies 16 August 2014 Lightning Room Theatre, Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood |
In honour of National Science Week, Sophie’s Voice Community Choir will be performing a programme of music about science, inspired by science and composed by scientists. As Albert Einstein said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” Wheelchair access |
| Stars in the Yarra Ranges 16 August 2014 Shire of Yarra Ranges Museum, 35-37 Castella Street, Lilydale |
This is the first of four Stars in the Yarra Ranges events. Mount Burnett Observatory and the ARC Centre for All Sky Astrophysics will bring telescopes, astrophysicists, experiments and live feeds from NASA space missions to the main street of Lilydale. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Meet the Scientists—Scienceworks 19 August 2014 Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood |
From the deep sea to deep time, feathers to fur, or stars to minerals buried deep in our Earth, during our Meet the Scientists event, your students can meet museum scientists and find out about the amazing work they do in this one hour event. Aimed at Year 9 to 10 students. Wheelchair access |
| Stars in the Yarra Ranges 19 August 2014 Upwey Primary School, 15 Darling Avenue, Upwey |
This is the second of four Stars in the Yarra Ranges events. Mount Burnett Observatory and the ARC Centre for All Sky Astrophysics will bring telescopes, astrophysicists, experiments and live feeds from NASA space missions to the main street of Upwey. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Marvellous Movement 20 August 2014 The Royal Children’s Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville |
Patients and families at The Royal Children’s Hospital will be invited to investigate the science of movement during National Science Week 2014. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Guest Speaker—Siouxsie Wiles 20 August 2014 Scoresby Secondary College, 2 Cavell Street, Scoresby |
Siouxsie Wiles will talk about the relevance of science to society. She was awarded the NZ Prime Ministers award for outstanding Scientific research outcomes. Her passion is to investigate how microbes and bioluminescence can help us understand and combat infectious diseases. Siouxsie will talk to Yr 10 Science, Yr 11 Chemistry and Biology and Yr 12 Physics students. |
| Science Makes Melbourne Cool: Astonishing Facts and Stories 20 August 2014 Clarendon Auditorium, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, South Wharf |
Celebrate National Science Week and the potential of science and technology with a “sample” our very best and brightest brains as they inject stimulating factual stories into the conversation. Free, Wheelchair access |
| ‘There Is No Art in Science’ Comedy Debate 21 August 2014 The Arena, Ground floor, NAB Docklands, 700 Bourke Street, Melbourne |
Does art exist in science? And can there be science in art? Join Claire Hooper and Rod Quantock, science comedians and scientists for a battle of the wits as we debate the disciplines in ‘there is no art in science’. Wheelchair access |
| Discover the Night Sky—Astronomy Classes 21 August 2014 Melbourne Planetarium – Scienceworks, 2 Booker Street, Spotswood |
Starlight – Premiere screening of the new planetarium show! Learn more about astronomy in these evening classes at the Melbourne Planetarium. Wheelchair access |
| Chris Hadfield: An Astronaut’s Guide to Life 21 August 2014 Melbourne Town Hall , 90-120 Swanston Street, Melbourne |
Armed with a truly unique view of the world, author of An Astronauts Guide to Life on Earth and YouTube’s most famous space oddity, Chris Hadfield comes back to earth to share his out-of-this-world experiences and the life-affirming lessons he has accumulated during his astronomical career. |
| State of the Universe IV 22 August 2014 ATC101, ATC Building Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn |
It is time for the fourth annual review of the State of the Universe. Hosted by Associate Professor Christopher Fluke, and featuring researchers from the Centre for Astrophysics & Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology, you can expect an evening of audience interaction, flying lollies, and possibly even some insights into the last 12 months of progress in astronomy. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Stars in the Yarra Ranges 22 August 2014 Emerald Secondary College, 425 Belgrave Gembrook Road, Emerald |
This is the third of four Stars in the Yarra Ranges events. Mount Burnett Observatory and the ARC Centre for All Sky Astrophysics will bring telescopes, astrophysicists, experiments and live feeds from NASA space missions to the main street of Emerald. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Get Totally Spaced 22 August 2014 Briars Astronomy Centre, The Briars Historic Park, 580 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha |
Want to escape your day-to-day planet Earth concerns and instead ponder the mysteries of the night sky and Universe? Well, bring your 5 senses to an astronomy evening with the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society. See the Universe through powerful telescopes, hear the REALLY BIG questions out there, feel and smell meteorites up close and personal, and get the taste for more. |
| Stars in the Yarra Ranges 23 August 2014 Beaconhills College, 30-34 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham |
This is the fourth of four Stars in the Yarra Ranges events. Mount Burnett Observatory and the ARC Centre for All Sky Astrophysics will bring telescopes, astrophysicists, experiments and live feeds from NASA space missions to the main street of Pakenham. Free, Wheelchair access |
| The Hunt for Dark Matter 26 August 2014 Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Basement, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville |
Prof Juan Collar from the University of Chicago is a leader in dark matter research. He will talk about the worldwide hunt for dark matter and how teams of researchers search for these particles. Find out if we are close to discovering dark matter. Free, Wheelchair access |
Western Australia |
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| What I See When I Look at Sound 12 July – 31 August 2014 Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), Perth Cultural Centre, 53 James Street, Northbridge |
This exhibition unites radically different manifestations and improvisations on the theme of seeing and shaping sound. Free |
| Perth Science Festival 16 August 2014 Perth Cultural Centre, James Street Mall, Northbridge |
Entertain the whole family and celebrate National Science Week with the FREE Perth Science festival! Free, Wheelchair access |
| Curtin @ South West Science Spectacular 16 August 2014 Ocean Forest Lutheran College, 133 Norton Promenade, Dalyellup |
Curtin’s Science Outreach team will be sharing the excitement of National Science Week with some exciting hands-on science experiments for everyone to try. Dr Karl and Ruben the Surfing Scientist will be there too! Gold coin donation, Wheelchair access |
| Scitech @ South West Super Science Festival 16 August 2014 Ocean Forest Lutheran College, 133 Norton Promenade, Dalyellup |
Interactive exhibits plus shows: “Good Vibrations”: What are sounds? How do you make music? Explore the science of sounds with wacky instruments like a frog, wobble boards, an iPad and your own voice! “Flight”: Soar through the science of flying as our presenter battles gravity, drag and the laws of physics to fly balloons, aeroplanes and rockets. Free |
| Digital Space Exploration 16 August 2014 Mandurah Library, 331 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah |
Mandurah’s Digital Hub is holding a free seminar looking at different apps and our smart table to explore space. Find out about the constellations in our night sky, and our place in the solar system. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Scitech Science Show @ Bunnings Harrisdale 17 August 2014 Bunnings Harrisdale, Cnr Wright Road & Ranford Road, Harrisdale |
Flight – Soar through the science of flying as our presenter battles gravity, drag and the laws of physics to fly balloons, aeroplanes and rockets. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Scitech Planetarium: A Universe of Colour 17 August 2014 Scitech Planetarium, City West, Sutherland Street, West Perth |
Join David Malin, an award winning author, astrophotographer and astronomer in a special event where he’ll take us on a spectacular and colourful view of the Universe. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Profs and Pints—Kalgoorlie 17 August 2014 The Kalgoorlie Hotel, Cnr Hannan & Wilson Streets, Kalgoorlie |
Pints. Profs. Science. Join us for a few drinks and a discussion on whether there are there facts we shouldn’t know, technologies we shouldn’t have and lines we shouldn’t cross? In a world of smallpox, chlorofluorocarbons and nuclear weapons, how do we draw the lines of ethical science? And if we trespass too far, can we put the lid back on Pandora’s box? Free |
| Celebrate National Science Week at Scitech 18–24 August 2014 Scitech, City West, Sutherland Street, West Perth |
Uncover the science behind your favourite sideshow attractions in Carnival of Science and investigate the physics, psychology and mathematics of this weird and wacky world. Wheelchair access |
| Computing for a Connected Future—SKA, the Cloud and a Smart Mid West 18 August 2014 POSH Events and Functions, 214 Marine Terrace, Geraldton |
Supercomputers play a significant and growing role in a variety of areas important to the nation. In the Mid West we are perfectly placed to take advantage of the amazing capabilities of a connected community with the wide scale roll out of National Broadband Network services. Free, Wheelchair access |
| The Physicist & the Poet 18 August 2014 Perth City Library, Level 1, 140 William Street, Perth |
Join award-winning poet Bronwyn Lovell for a reading from her forthcoming verse novel “Migration”, followed by a Q&A alongside physicist & astronaut candidate Josh Richardson about one-way space exploration & bringing science together with poetry. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Profs and Pints—Broome 19 August 2014 Roebuck Bay Hotel, Dampier Terrace, Broome |
Pints. Profs. Science. Join us for a few drinks and a discussion on whether there are there facts we shouldn’t know, technologies we shouldn’t have and lines we shouldn’t cross? In a world of smallpox, chlorofluorocarbons and nuclear weapons, how do we draw the lines of ethical science? And if we trespass too far, can we put the lid back on Pandora’s box? Free |
| AIP WA Branch Physics in Industry Evening 20 August 2014 Physics Staff Common Room, 5th Floor UWA Physics Building, University of Western Australia |
Celebrating the fact that the AIP represents all professional physicists working in all areas of industry and academia. We aim to bring together physicists from industry, universities and elsewhere in an informal setting so that we can share information about our common interests. The evening features three short talks, as outlined below, which can provide the basis for conversation during the following less structured part of the evening. |
| Sounds from the Deep: Underwater sounds and the search for Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 @ Curtin 20 August 2014 Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley |
Join Dr Alec Duncan, from Curtin’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology (CMST) as he explains how sound travels in the ocean and describes the various devices developed to exploit this. He’ll also share the the role underwater sound in search for MH370, and its role in future searches. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Sidewalk Astronomy 20 August 2014 Geraldton Foreshore, 31 Foreshore Drive, Geraldton |
Get hands on with the Geraldton Astronomy Group in this down to earth introduction to astronomy with large telescopes viewing the harbour and skyline and the “oh so cool” sunscope for images of the setting Sun. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Growing Food in Space 20 August 2014 Dandaragan Community Resource Centre, 3468 Dandaragan Road, Dandaragan |
The evening will include hearing about the Stargazers Club WA from Galaxy Girl, stargazing through telescopes and a presentation on growing food in space. Wheelchair access |
| Community Science and Engineering Fair 21 August 2014 Performing Arts Centre (PAC), Newton Moore Senior High School, Hotchin Street, Bunbury |
Community Science and Engineering Fair – Students will run a science and engineering fair featuring over 150 Crest Awards completed in 2014, interactive and hands on activities, industry partner displays and a keynote speaker. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Kerbals on the Super Screen 21–23 August 2014 James Street Amphitheatre, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth |
Build & fly your own spaceship on the Cultural Centre’s massive 8m Super Screen! Play Kerbal Space Program while physicist, comedian and Mars One astronaut candidate Josh Richards he explains the out-of-this-world challenges faced by those wanting to explore the final frontier. Free, Wheelchair access |
| The Hunt for Dark Matter—Astroparticle Physics—Public lecture 22 August 2014 Ross Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley |
The Hunt for Dark Matter talk by Professor Juan Collar. It is almost eighty years now since the original realization that a majority of our universe consists of a type of matter that neither emits nor absorbs light, yet we remain ignorant about the exact nature of this mysterious source of mass. Free, Wheelchair access |
| Night Sky Alive Astronomy 23 August 2014 Chapman Valley Lookout, Mills Park Road, Geraldton |
Our region has some of the clearest skies in the world. The clear cool nights showcase the heavens brilliantly reducing the starlight twinkle factor. Join the Geraldton Astronomy Group in a hand on session with large telescopes as you view the wonders of our solar system. Free, Wheelchair access |
Submissions to the bulletin and journal
My next bulletin will be sent out in late August 2014, and will cover events in September and beyond. I welcome contributions about activities, conferences and announcements by Monday 25 August 2014. Please send your submissions to Chris Lassig on chris@scienceinpublic.com.au or call (03) 9398 1416.
You can also submit your physics events directly to the AIP Events Calendar—they will be approved and publicly accessible in just a couple of days, and will also be included in the next month’s bulletin.
For more information on physics events go to the AIP Events Calendar.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive these updates, please feel free to forward this to them.
Dr Rob Robinson
President of the Australian Institute of Physics
Phone: +61 (2) 9717-9204
Email: aip_president@aip.org.au
Contributions and contact details
Please get in contact if you have any queries about physics in Australia:
- Rob Robinson, AIP President aip_president@aip.org.au
- the AIP website is www.aip.org.au
- membership enquiries to the Secretariat aip@aip.org.au or 03 9895 4477
- ideas for articles for Australian Physics to the Chair of the Editorial Board and Acting Editor Brian James, on b.james@physics.usyd.edu.au, or the editorial board, which is listed in your latest copy of the magazine
- contributions to the bulletin (e.g. activities, conferences and announcements) to Chris Lassig from Science in Public on chris@scienceinpublic.com.au or call (03) 9398 1416, by the 23rd of the month prior
- the AIP Events Calendar to check what’s on, and also to submit your own physics-related events (any queries to Chris, as above)
- to receive these bulletins, please email Chris, as above (you don’t need to be a member of the Institute).
(Sent by Niall Byrne, Science in Public, on behalf of the Australian Institute of Physics, www.aip.org.au)