On September 27, the European Researchers’ Night events will take place all over Latvia, where universities, colleges, and scientific institutes will “open their doors” and offer a wide range of free events and activities. During the day, the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (VSRC) will provide an opportunity to take a tour and meet astronomers and engineers. In the evening, researchers from Ventspils University and VSRC will introduce visitors to small bodies of the Solar System at the VIZIUM Science Center, explain how to “hunt” for the Northern Lights, and, if the weather permits, there will be a chance to observe planets and the Moon through a telescope.
Tour of Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Visit the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center in Irbene and meet astronomers and engineers from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. School groups of up to 25 visitors are welcome. Please note that prior registration is required by sending an application to the email: [email protected].
Science Center VIZIUM: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Karina Šķirmante
Topic: Discover the most interesting studies on small bodies in the Solar System
During the presentation, the audience will be introduced to small bodies in the Solar System, such as comets, asteroids, dwarf planets, and planetary moons. The presentation will include 3D demonstrations showing the modeling of the gas and dust environment of a comet in different scenarios.
Andris Vaivads
Topic: How to hunt the Northern Light
In this talk, you’ll learn how the Northern Lights form, whether we can predict when they will appear, and what conditions need to be met to observe the Northern Lights around Ventspils.
Artūrs Vrubļevskis
Topic: The mysteries of the origin of the solar wind
The audience will be introduced to studies on the Sun and the solar wind. Although the solar wind is variable, it flows continuously and creates the interplanetary space through which solar eruptions travel. On Earth, these can cause geomagnetic storms. One goal of solar research is to better predict so-called “space weather,” which requires an understanding of the solar wind.
Sergejs Hiļķevičs
Topic: Trends in the development of Latvia’s economy
The audience will be introduced to the main trends and challenges in the development of Latvia’s economy. Various factors influencing the economy will be analyzed, and there will be an opportunity to engage in discussions about future possibilities for Latvia’s economic development.
Artis Aberfelds
Throughout the evening, if the weather is favorable, there will be an opportunity to observe planets through a telescope on the VIZIUM terrace. Visitors of the Researchers’ Night will be able to discuss various topics of interest with the scientists.
