On December 14, the Department Physics and Astronomy transformed the Pauluskirche into a winter wonderland of science. In the special Advent edition of “Saturday Morning Physics,” Prof. Judith Golda guided the audience through a Christmas story with a physics twist: If Santa Claus and his reindeer deliver presents to all the children in a single night, it can only be magic at work… But while we wait for that magic to happen, physics also has some enchanting phenomena to offer. The plasma physicist took a closer look at these together with the audience.
Experiments from snow flurries to flame waves
Golda demonstrated the physical magic of Advent with exciting experiments. From handmade snow and gold-plated mini reindeer to tinsel that moves as if by magic, some of the experiments amazed the visitors. Another highlight was the demonstration of the so-called Rubens flame tube. A series of small flames were set in motion by music: when the devotional sounds of "Silent Night, Holy Night" were played through the loudspeaker at one end of the tube, crests and troughs of flames were created. The sound waves generated were thus made visible.
Physics for everyone from 2 to 82
The church was packed to the last seat, and the audience was a diverse mix. The youngest visitor was 2, the oldest over 82—and everyone was equally fascinated by the engaging experiments. Before and after the demonstration, the student council served waffles and coffee—a perfect start to a Saturday visit to the Christmas market. The Saturday Morning Physics series has a long tradition; however, the Advent edition was a first. The Department that it generated such great interest. “Physics Magic in Advent” was the first of four events this winter; the next one will take place on January 11 and is titled “Hands-On Quantum Physics – Perfect Magnets Through Dancing Electrons.”
Photo: © Boesel