All Invited to USU Physics' November Demo Show Friday, Nov. 19

How do different kinds of light bulbs produce light? Can you tell by looking at someone’s glasses if they are nearsighted or farsighted? Where do the colors of the rainbow come from? Is light a wave or a particle?

Inquiring minds of all ages are invited to learn answers to these questions and more at the Utah State University Department of Physics’ 14th annual November Demo Show, Friday, Nov. 19.

“Let There Be Light” is the theme for the event, which begins at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center on campus. Admission is free and open to all.

“It’s time again to kick off Thanksgiving week with our popular annual tradition and we’re excited to be back in person,” said James Coburn, Physics Teaching Laboratory supervisor and show coordinator. “This year, we’re exploring light.”

The evening’s non-stop demonstrations will highlight incandescence, fluorescence, phosphorescence, triboluminescence, iridescence, lasers, reflection, refraction, diffraction, dispersion, polarization, the photoelectric effect and more.

“It will be great fun and a chance to learn something new,” Coburn said.

Physics? Fun?

“Absolutely,” he said. “Unfortunately, many are intimidated by physics study. But it shouldn’t be that way – learning about science is something everyone can enjoy.”

Coburn says he was inspired to create the November Demo Show, now a Cache Valley favorite, by England’s Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, which have been a popular British tradition since 1825.

Parking for the event is available in the surface lot south of Old Main and the university parking terraces at 700 E. 600 North and 850 E. 700 North in Logan. For directions and more information, visit the November Demo Show website or call 435-797-2857.