Researchers’ Night in Debrecen, Hungary
The University of Debrecen has been participating in European Researchers’ Night for many years. The Debrecen Young Minds section also participated, offering activities in five different themes.
In the park of the Nuclear Research Centre [Atomki], people could try the water bottle rocket built by a student in electric engineering. Not far from there under the attacks of giant bubbles one could submerge his/her hands into a big bowl of oobleck (a non-newtonian suspension of cornstarch and water). Entering the building a few students and two tables with lots of experiments welcomed the audience. Among the experiments were the bottled tornado, fakir balloons and invisible balls, all awe inspiring. Deeper in the building the “blacklight-room” showed the spectacular side of science. In the room people found fluorescence, phosphorescence and chemiluminescence everywhere and two UV-lamps were the main light sources. The atmosphere in the room was surreal and visitors were invited to draw pictures with fluorescent pens, create short-lived signs on a phosphorescent screen or apply fluorescent nail-polish.
During the event nearly everything could be touched and tried and people received answers to their questions. Seeing liquids light up and flowers glowing, trying giant soap bubbles and hitting liquids are really memorable experiences. Surely, it lit up the lights of science in the hearts of some children.
The event has been supported by the EPS Young Minds section of Debrecen, Atomki and the University of Debrecen.
