BYU’s Astrofest brings physics and astronomy to life with rockets, robots, and planetarium shows.
The event will be held on BYU campus at the Eyring Science Center on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All families and students are invited to attend.
Guests can attend exciting physics and acoustic demonstrations held routinely throughout the day including exploding balloons, gravity defying orbs, and more. Many of the activities are meant to provide children who have never been exposed to physics and astronomy with an opportunity to experience these sciences for the first time:
Rockets
Make and launch your own rockets, build and fly paper airplanes, and make star charts with supplies provided at the Eyring Science Center.
Planetarium Shows
Watch a planetarium show in the Royden G. Derrick Planetarium in the Eyring Science Center. Shows will occur continuously throughout the day. Admission is free.
Solar Observing
Observe the sun through telescopes with special filters that make it safe to look directly at the sun.
Physics Demonstrations
Learn about physics from the Society of Physics Students, who will use fun demonstrations to illustrate principles of electromagnetism, gravity, Newtonian physics, and more.
Acoustics Demonstrations
Learn principles of acoustics and take a tour of acoustics research facilities, including the anechoic chamber and reverberation rooms.
Astronaut Training
Prepare to be an astronaut by climbing up a simulated Mars canyon on the rock wall and trying out the blow-up obstacle course.
MAGICC Lab Robots
Take a tour of BYU’s Multiple Agent Intelligent Coordination and Control Lab, which focuses on research about the control of autonomous vehicles (particularly Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).
Astrofest, first held in 2009, is a free annual festival hosted by the BYU Department of Physics and Astronomy that features demonstrations and activities emphasizing the fun and importance of science.
Visit astrofest.byu.edu for more information about parking, demonstration times, and activities.