Full House at Lange Nacht der Wissenschaft

Science is fun – this is the lasting impression of the first Lange Nacht der Wissenschaft (Science Night) on the Garching Campus. Thousands of people – young and old, families, students and scientists – came to experience the fascination of Science in the evening hours of October 13. The Cluster’s program was welcomed enthusiastically, the building being densely packed with people.

The visitors followed the time travel to the Big Bang, enjoyed the view of planet Jupiter through the telescope or listened to Prof. Gerhard Graw’s interesting introduction into the history of the Universe. The magician Thomas Fraps proved to be a viewer’s magnet – and was very successful explaining the nature of black holes by making vanish 20-Euro-bills. The scientific film program with contributions of several Max-Planck-Institutes and ESO gathered a large audience, as well as block busting “The hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy”.

The Excellence Cluster Universe is very pleased with this public outreach event having attracted a large audience. Also, the number of children was remarkably high – it can be hoped that the Lange Nacht has sparked off their lasting interest for Science.

by B. Wankerl