The Livingston Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory fieldtrip

The Livingston Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory


I took Gregory to the Livingston Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) today with one of our home school groups. Say that three times fast! The purpose of LIGO is to measure the ripples in space-time by using a device called an inteferometer. LIGO is partners with Cal-Tech and MIT and is supported by the National Science Foundation. There are two in the United States, one here in Louisiana and one in Washington State. The LIGO Science Education Center focuses on eight specific science topics for children to explore:

• light
• waves
• interference
• gravity
  
• resonance
• oscillations
• feedback
• astronomy

We had a really great time and our tour guide/teacher was fantastic. We made UV detector bracelets and spent time in the hands on "fun room".

This is a mirror that reflects the image as well as the heat of a space heater. If you put your hand over the reflection of the heater, you feel the heat in the reflection as well:


The bubble maker:


The Ripple Slinky


Notice the bracelet is white: (pics can be enlarged by clicking on them)


Notice the colors when UV light is detected:


There will be an open house for the public on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 1-4pm. For more information, visit the LIGO website at:
LIGO