- Sponsor
- Illinois Physics
- Speaker
- POINT VR
- Contact
- Jackie Vaiden
- jjvaiden@illinois.edu
- Phone
- 217-300-1635
- Views
- 145
Gravity, quite literally, makes the world go 'round ( . . . the Sun!) As one of only four fundamental forces in the universe, it plants your feet on the ground, controls the tides, and (on Earth) distinguishes up from down. As such, like most important scientific concepts, we learn about it in stages. First, we understand it in the context of Earth, as a force pushing downwards. Second, we learn about it in the context of our solar system, as a force that keeps the planets in orbit through Newtonian gravity. Third… Wait, what comes after Newton?
Despite the ubiquitous nature of gravity, many of us don’t see the next step: Einstein’s theory of general relativity (GR). GR is what makes GPS work, black holes possible, and so much more. However, as a 4D theory, it is hard to showcase using traditional tabletop demonstrations. Thus, this Saturday, we’re bringing the gravity to you — in virtual reality (VR)!
This presentation will be led by Physics Outreach and Instruction through New Technologies (or POINT.) We are an organization aimed at generating interest in physics for students and the general public through VR; a technology that allows us to explain physical concepts in new and interactive ways. POINT’s Vice President and Outreach Coordinator, Kaitlyn Prokup, will introduce you to some of the basic concepts of gravity and general relativity. POINT’s Membership Director, Sonali Joshi, will showcase a VR simulation developed in our organization, Einstein’s Spacetime. POINT members will also discuss what comes after Einstein’s Spacetime: What it means to be a physicist studying gravity in the 21st century.
This talk is designed for a general audience with a focus on high school and undergraduate students interested in physics. There will be headsets available for attendees to try the simulation.
Saturday Physics for Everyone is an event series focused on sharing the research of the Department of Physics with the UIUC community. High school students interested in STEM are highly encouraged to attend.