New polar neutrino detector on the way

IceCube, the cubic kilometer, sub-polar detector that in 2013 gathered the first-ever evidence of cosmic neutrinos, is the star of particle astrophysics at the South Pole. Soon, however, a complementary detector known as the Askaryan Radio Array or ARA will join the hunt for the highest energy neutrinos.

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Physics Teaching Assistant Richard Sayanagi wins an Early Excellence in Teaching Award!

The University of Wisconsin-Madison employs over 2,000 teaching assistants across a wide variety of disciplines. The contributions of TAs in the classroom, lab, studio and field are essential to the University’s education mission. In order to recognize excellence on the part of TAs across campus, each year the College of Letters & Science, with funding support from the Graduate School, administers awards for exceptional teaching.

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Physics Fair

The Department of Physics welcomed in the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, for its fifth annual Physics Fair.

8th Annual Physics Fair, 11am – 4pm

You are invited to attend the 8th Annual Physics Fair! This will be an open house in which members of the public can come to learn about the research and teaching that are a part of our department. The Physics Fair will include laboratory tours, hands-on demonstrations, activities for kids and families, and informal conversations with scientists. We will have exhibits representing research groups in the department as well as displays on more general physics topics. Additionally, the Ingersoll Physics Museum will be open and the 31th Annual Wonders of Physics public presentations will take place.

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3-D printed trumpet by Garage Physics student Daniel Montez

Undergraduate student Daniel Montez uses the 3-D printer in Garage Physics for rapid prototyping of a trumpet. He wanted to see if it was possible to produce a brass instrument with similar sound aspects, while being inexpensive to make and be able to survive being dropped, making it ideal for younger music students first trying out the instrument. Each piece was 3D printed separately using PLA plastic, and they fit together to create the instrument.

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Wonders of Physics, multiple show times

The Laws of Physics: Professor Sprott has been accused of breaking the laws of physics! Is that possible? If not, how can physicists explain the seemingly impossible things that happen in some experiments? Join Professor Sprott and the UW-Madison Physics Crew as they unravel this mystery!
Volunteer opportunities may be available, please follow link below.
Show times:
February 7 – 1, 4, and 7 pm. February 8 – 1 and 4 pm. February 14 – 1, 4, and 7 pm. February 15 – 1 and 4 pm.

Wonders of Physics info page

Felipe Gutierrez, AMEP major, wins a WID Frontier Fellowship

The purpose of this project is to build an interactive display to promote community learning. A sculpture will be developed to facilitate interactive learning about the brain and the neural pathways involved in every-day tasks. The goal is to develop a presentation to benefit people of all ages in the community and communicate the exciting research being done in the field of neuroscience. The team will be working closely with the WID and Town Center in order to participate in Outreach events as well as other events held in the Madison community.

Garage Physics – Simulating Brain Activity