Students from the University of Kentucky's Society of Physics Students (SPS) will host Open Lab Day from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, April 13, in the Chemistry-Physics Building. The event is free and open to all students and faculty wishing to learn more about physics, astronomy and science.

“Attendees will tour active research labs in the physics and astronomy department, hearing from professors and graduate students about work such as fundamental particle research, synthesis of complex materials, and current projects in astronomy,” said Cierra Dany Waller, president of the SPS and mathematics senior and research assistant in the UK College of Arts and Sciences. “There will be a presentation after the lab tours on a new project between the MacAdam Observatory and an upcoming NASA mission, TESS; attendees are invited to the observatory afterward to experience research in action!"

Open Lab Day, sponsored by UK's Department of Physics and Astronomy, will feature six events:

• Atomic and Condensed Matter Labs
• Kerr and Faraday Labs
• "Big Blue" Particle Accelerator
• MacAdams Observatory
• Center for Advanced Materials
• Materials Science Research Labs

Interactive science demonstrations will be held in CP-179 and guided tours of physics research labs will be offered throughout the day. The additional presentation on the NASA mission will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. and is open to the public.

Free pizza will be provided at the start of the event in Room 179, where attendees will have the option to interact with demonstrations prior to the tours.

The SPS hosts interactive events each semester to promote education and interest in physics and showcase research completed within the Department of Physics and Astronomy.