Fascinating Physics
August 3, 2025
Fascinating Physics | August 3
Scheduled Activities
Living in Space: An Out-of-This-World Adventure
Have you ever wondered how astronauts eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom in space? Join us as we uncover the fascinating realities of life beyond Earth! From floating meals to space suits and cosmic hazards, families will get an inside look at what it takes to live among the stars.
This show is suitable for all ages.
Noon • 1:30 p.m. • 3 p.m. (1 hour)
Doors open 15 minutes before showtime. Arrive early. Seating is first come, first served.
Physics Flash Talks
Meet scientists and engineers, who are eager to tell you about RHIC, EIC, and unique experiments in nuclear and particle physics.
These talks are recommended for those ages 10 and older.
Speakers: Members of Brookhaven's Physics and Collider-Accelerator departments.
11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (45 minutes)
All-Day Activities
Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) Accelerator Complex (TOUR)
Explore three locations within the only operating particle collider complex in the United States.
First, learn about RHIC and future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). RHIC is helping physicists unlock mysteries of the universe microseconds after its birth. EIC will enable scientists to probe some of the universe's smallest building blocks and nature's strongest force. See a dipole magnet like the ones currently used in RHIC.
After that, you can tour the STAR detector's assembly hall. Then, visit the Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator facility, which produces ion beams that researchers use for industrial and space-related applications.
This tour starts from Berkner Hall Room B. Bus transportation is provided. Arrive by 2:30 p.m. for the last bus. The tour is appropriate for those ages 10 and older.
Activity: What’s Inside sPHENIX Detector
sPHENIX is the newest experiment at RHIC. Inside the sPHENIX detector is a powerful magnet large enough that an elephant could walk through. This giant magnet helps scientists measure properties of some of the universe's smallest building blocks.
This activity is recommended for those ages 10 and older.
Lobby, Chemistry Division (Bldg.555)
Physics Fun Activities
Explore engineering, electricity, and magnetism with employees from Brookhaven Lab’s Physics and Collider-Accelerator departments.
This activity is recommended for those ages 10 and older.
Key: Bus from Berkner Hall Walk from Berkner Hall
'Living in Space' Show
RHIC Tour
See What's Inside sPHENIX
June 29
Family Fun
at the Science Learning Center
Enjoy hands-on family fun at the Science Learning Center. Explore interactive exhibits on many different areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
July 13
Dazzling Discoveries
at the National Synchrotron Light Source II
Tour the experimental floor at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), which produces light 10 billion times brighter than the sun for cutting-edge research.
August 3
Fascinating Physics
at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider
Explore three locations within the only operating particle collider complex in the United States.
September 14
Discovery and Innovation
at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Computing and Data Sciences
Visit the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, where researchers probe atomic-scale structures for big discoveries. See how the Computing and Data Science Directorate enables research around the world.
Note: Photos and videos may be taken during these events and may be used by Brookhaven Lab for promotional purposes, including on social media and in other related materials. By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed and authorize Brookhaven Lab to use these images without compensation or further approval.
- Free, no reservations needed
- Gates open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- All activities are first-come, first-served
- Located 1.5 miles north of LIE Exit 68
- Wheelchair accessible
- Specific activities subject to change.
- Guests 18 and older must bring REAL ID-compliant identification. Digital IDs and copies cannot be accepted.
