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The Adventures of Solar Neutrons

2021-07-14T10:37:44-06:00
11/05
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Detecting neutron radiation

Neutron radiation detection is an important issue for the space program, satellite communications, and national defense. But since neutrons have no electric charge, they can pass through many kinds of solid objects without stopping. This makes it difficult to build devices to detect them, so we need special materials that can absorb neutrons and leave a measurable signature when they do. Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are studying the effects of solar neutron radiation on two types of materials on the International Space Station (ISS), using detectors made of very stable compounds that contain boron-10 and lithium-6.

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The Adventures of Solar Neutrons2021-07-14T10:37:44-06:00

Use a laser pointer to measure the thickness of your hair!

2021-07-14T11:14:27-06:00
11/05
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Light scattering and diffraction

Have you ever wondered how scientists can accurately measure the size of very small objects like molecules, nanoparticles, and parts of cells? Scientists are continually finding new ways to do this, and one powerful tool they use is light scattering. When an incoming beam of light hits an object, the light "scatters," or breaks into separate streams that form different patterns depending on the size of the object. This incoming light might be visible light, like the light we see from the sun, or it might be higher-energy light like X-rays. The light from commercial laser pointers, it turns out, is perfectly suited to measure the size of a human hair!

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Use a laser pointer to measure the thickness of your hair!2021-07-14T11:14:27-06:00

Coloring INSIDE The Lines

2022-11-16T15:00:19-06:00
05/08
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The Visible Spectrum and Spectroscopes
by Wesley Sliger, Martin Centurion

Have you ever wondered why shining light on a glass of water causes rainbows to appear? Or noticed the colors that reflect from a CD or DVD? In this lesson, you will make an instrument called a spectroscope that can separate light into its hidden components. You will also be able to use the spectroscope to understand why different colored objects and light sources appear the way they do.

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Coloring INSIDE The Lines2022-11-16T15:00:19-06:00
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