See Saturn Via UA Telescope, Hear Discussion of Smallest Known Particles

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama scientists invite the public to a discussion of the smallest known particles, and the gigantic instrument used to study them, as well as an opportunity to view the moon and Saturn through a UA telescope.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m., April 20 in Gallalee Hall, room 227, with “Finding Answers at the Large Hadron Collider,” a talk by Dr. Louis Clavelli, professor in UA’s department of physics and astronomy.

The Large Hadron Collider is a gigantic scientific instrument near Geneva, where it spans the border between Switzerland and France about 100 meters underground, according to the LHC Web site. It is a particle accelerator used by physicists to study the smallest known particles – the fundamental building blocks of all things.

At 8 p.m., following the talk, the public is invited to the roof of Gallalee to peer at the moon and Saturn, through a University of Alabama telescope. This free viewing is hosted by Dr. Dean Townsley, assistant professor in UA’s department of physics and astronomy.

For more information about scheduled events, phone 205/348-5050, or go online to http://www.astr.ua.edu/Public.html. All sky viewings are contingent upon the weather. Please give advance notice if you plan to bring a large group.

UA’s department of physics and astronomy is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.