2026 Adventures in Physics

The Adventures in Physics program provides engaging demonstrations of physics for communities in the Orange County area. The program also hosts an annual public event at UCI for the entire community to experience an engaging physics lecture and exciting science demonstrations.

This event honors the legacy of John Rosendahl, Instructional Programs Director in the Department of Physics & Astronomy from 1987 – 2012. He created memorable lecture demonstrations that were seen by more than 50,000 students and conducted physics assemblies for K-12 schools.

**Parking will be available for purchase in Lot 12A and 16 General (Unmarked) and AR (Non 24 Hour Enforced) Stalls. You can purchase parking ahead of time here:

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Info: Professor Bill Heidbrink and his team will kick off the show demonstrating concepts of sound and other waves. Learn about frequency, amplitude, and resonance. See flames dance to sound waves, hear what happens to sounds in vacuum, and participate in educational hands-on activities.

Info: Professor Paul Robertson will give a presentation explaining how waves provide astronomers with a window to the Universe. From the remnants of the Big Bang itself to signs of life on distant worlds, waves are the key to observing the most distant objects and events in space. Learn how the same physics that govern how we hear the siren on a fire truck can reveal alien planets orbiting nearby stars.

Info: Following the demonstrations and lecture, UCI students will host a Q&A session about life in college.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Physical Sciences Lecture Hall, 411 Physical Sciences Quad, Irvine, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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