Taking Things Outside

Astronomy Outreach: The Nielsen Physics Building rooftop is open every month for scheduled public viewing events where departmental staff and student volunteers guide visitors through solar and night sky observations. Our planetarium on Nielsen’s mezzanine brings astronomy navigation indoors, not only for UT students enrolled in our courses, but also for alumni, scouts, homeschoolers, church groups, or any group looking for an hour or so under the stars, rain or shine. Astronomy students and coordinators take the show on the road to help the public view astronomy events at local parks and nearby Marble Springs State Historic site.

Physics Outreach: Our faculty and students go beyond the campus to share their enthusiasm with our community. We hosted a movie night with Particle Fever to mark the anniversary of the Higgs Boson discovery and brought physics to the dance floor and the bookstore with Quantum Canvases. Student groups (the Society of Physics Students and People of Color in Physics) offer physics demos at Market Square downtown, volunteer with the MUSE Knoxville, and work with the Knoxville Regal Boys and Girls Club to promote interest in science among young students from underrepresented backgrounds. The West High School and L&N STEM Physics Academy puts physics faculty in front of local high school classes to present guest lectures and encourage students to ask questions and learn more about the role science plays in everyday life.