• Christmas Lectures from University of Warwick’s Department of Physics return – and are online for the first time
• Six ten-minute lectures will explore atoms, the birth of the solar system, measuring astronomical distances, the role of the technician, physics more astounding than magic, and a host of experiment you can try safely at home!
• Lectures will be available free via the Warwick Arts Centre YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/WarwickArtsCentre/playlists

Physicists at the University of Warwick will be working their way onto your Christmas viewing schedules as their spectacular Christmas Lectures return once again, with a little bit of Christmas magic (explained by physics).

The University of Warwick Department of Physics has moved its annual science extravaganza online, so budding young scientists can still enjoy insights from physicists working at the cutting edge of their field from 15 December.

And they’ll take you through a selection of experiments you can do at home, giving you plenty of ideas to keep the whole family occupied during the Christmas break.

Produced in association with the University of Warwick’s Department of Physics and supported by Warwick Arts Centre and China Plate, six intrepid physicists bring you a bite-sized taste of the world-class research happening on campus.

They show you how we observe atoms with some of the most powerful microscopes in the world, take you back to the birth of our solar system, and explain how to measure the vast distances of space. And while we’ll learn about some physics that looks very much like magic, we’ll also learn about the essential role that technicians play in real-world science, and a few real experiments that anyone can try safely.

Organiser Ally Caldecote, Outreach Officer for the University of Warwick Department of Physics, said: “I am so excited that this year we are able to bring some festive cheer to the community. Scientists don’t give up easily, we find a way around problems or an alternative way to do something! This year the Warwick Christmas lectures consist of six ten-minute mini-lectures, and we hope they will inspire, enthuse and many of you to do some of your own investigations this Christmas holiday!”

So, pull on your Christmas jumper, grab a mince pie and settle down with family members for these FREE ten-minute lectures featuring mindboggling science and explosive experiments you can do at home. The lectures are available on Warwick Arts Centre’s YouTube channel from 2pm on 15 December.

Dr Paul Goddard (most suited for 12+)

Tales of objects that hover in mid-air sounds like magic. Join Dr Paul Goddard from the physics department at the University of Warwick for science that is even more astounding than a magic trick!

Dr Farzana Meru (most suited for 12+)

While life can be unstable and turbulent at times, we are very grateful that our solar system isn’t! Travel back in time with Dr Farzana Meru from the physics department at the university of Warwick to a time before our planet was formed and find out about how planets are made!

Dr Aruni Fonseka (most suited for 10+)

Have you ever wondered if atoms are real? Here to explain is Dr Aruni Fonseka, who works in the Physics Department at the University of Warwick. Her job involves using some of the most powerful microscopes in the world and she wants to explore with you the strange and curious influence that atoms have.

Tishtrya Mehta (most suited for 10+)

Tish Mehta is a solar physicist in the physics department at the University of Warwick. Rulers and tape measures don’t work in space, so how do we know how far away things are? Join Tish as she explains how physicists measure very, very large distances.

Paul McCarroll and Dr Alan Burton (most suited for 8+)

Paul McCarroll and Dr Alan Burton are technicians in the physics department at the University of Warwick. The work of technicians often goes unnoticed by many, but their work is essential to a lot of science research.

Ally Caldecote (most suited for 8+)

Ally Caldecote works in the physics department at the University of Warwick sharing the awesomeness of physics with anyone who will listen. Join her for some science investigations you can do at home!

All six lectures will be available online from 2pm on Tuesday 15 December at: https://www.youtube.com/user/WarwickArtsCentre/playlists

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15 December 2020

For press information and interviews contact:

Peter Thorley

Media Relations Manager (Warwick Medical School and Department of Physics)

Email: peter.thorley@warwick.ac.uk 

Mob: +44 (0) 7824 540863

Or

Andrea Cullis

Media Relations Manager (Features)

Email: a.cullis@warwick.ac.uk

Mob: +44 (0) 7825 314874