Florida Tech Public Science Lecture Discusses Cosmic Gamma Rays March 27
MELBOURNE, FLA. — Jamie Holder from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware will present, “Gamma Rays from Outer Space” starting at 8 p.m. Friday, March 27 at the latest installment of Florida Institute of Technology’s Public Science Lecture Series.
The free, public event will be held in the Olin Engineering Building Auditorium (EC 118) on Florida Tech’s Melbourne campus.
Cosmic gamma rays are only produced in the most extreme places in the universe: close to black holes, neutron stars and supernova explosions. They are difficult to detect, since they cannot penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere. Holder will describe how scientists have managed to build gamma-ray telescopes, and he will share some of the exciting discoveries that have been made.
Following the lecture, at approximately 9 p.m., and weather permitting, Florida Tech’s Student Astronomical Society will open the university’s 32-inch Ortega telescope for public viewing; three smaller telescopes will be on hand, as well.
Those interested in some hands-on astronomy, who have a telescope or who are thinking about getting one, can join the Melbourne Astronomical Society at 6:30 p.m. on March 27 at the society’s meeting in room 144 of the Olin Physical Sciences building.
Maps and directions for all these events can be found at http://cos.fit.edu/pss/aapls.php/.
The F.W. Olin Engineering Complex is located on West University Boulevard. For more information, call 321-674-8098.
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