Events Vertical

Universe in the Park: Wild River State Park

Universe in the Park is hosted by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics and area state and local parks.

Representatives of the Institute will present a short (~20 min) outdoor public talk and slide show. Presentations cover a variety of astronomical topics such as: the history of matter, how astronomers "see," and a journey through our solar system. For the 2024 season, talks will be outdoors to ensure they are as safe as possible.

Afterwards, if weather allows, attendees have the opportunity to view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes, operated by the staff and provided by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics. Additionally, free star maps (e.g., www.skymaps.com) and instructions are provided. Throughout the evening, audience members are encouraged to ask questions and discuss topics ranging from backyard astronomy to the latest scientific discoveries.

Although a vehicle permit is usually required to enter the parks, the events are free to the public.

Universe in the Park: Dodge Nature Center (West St Paul)

Universe in the Park is hosted by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics and area state and local parks.

Although a vehicle permit is usually required to enter the parks, the events are free to the public.

REU Poster Session

The Summer Undergraduate Research Expo is an exposition of the research accomplishments of undergraduate from all over the country who come to the University of Minnesota each summer to perform research in the labs of UMN faculty members.

The goals of the Expo are to increase the cohesion of the summer undergraduate research programs in science and engineering and enhance their exposure to the University and local industrial communities through interaction with UMN faculty and industrial partners.

Universe in the Park: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Universe in the Park is hosted by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics and area state and local parks.

Although a vehicle permit is usually required to enter the parks, the events are free to the public.

Universe in the Park: Dodge Nature Center (Cottage Grove)

Universe in the Park is hosted by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics and area state and local parks.

Although a vehicle permit is usually required to enter the parks, the events are free to the public.

Quirky Quantum Physics lecture series - Michel Janssen

Speaker: Michel Janssen

Title: How it Began

The quantum revolution of the 1925–26 has often been portrayed as the mother of all paradigm shifts. While the new mechanics did indeed give us a whole new framework for doing physics, there is more continuity with the old framework than meets the eye. In this talk, Michel Janssen, professor for history of science in the School of Physics and Astronomy, will tell the story of the development of quantum mechanics from Planck, Einstein, Bohr and others to Heisenberg, Schrödinger, Dirac and others in a way that does justice to both continuous and discontinuous elements. To do so, Janssen will rely on building metaphors such as using a scaffold to erect an arch or combining different styles to build a cathedral to describe the genesis of quantum mechanics. The talk will be based on a series of drawings by a professional illustrator, Laurent Taudin, showing the gradual construction of the highly non-classical cathedral of quantum mechanics.

Universe in the Park: Lake Maria State Park

Universe in the Park is hosted by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics and area state and local parks.

Although a vehicle permit is usually required to enter the parks, the events are free to the public.

Universe in the Park: Afton State Park

Universe in the Park is hosted by the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics and area state and local parks.

Although a vehicle permit is usually required to enter the parks, the events are free to the public.

American Solar Challenge Display Day

Catch nearly 20 collegiate solar cars lined up right on campus! For the first time ever, the University of Minnesota will serve as the official starting line for the American Solar Challenge — a grueling, 1,500-mile cross-country solar car race. Before the teams launch their journey across America, Northrop Mall will transform into a public showcase of cutting-edge engineering and sustainability. Come meet the student engineering teams from across the nation, check out their custom-built vehicles up close and learn more about the future of solar-powered transportation at this free community event.

Be sure to stop by the CSE table while you're exploring! Chat with our alumni board volunteers and scan our quick check-in code to claim an exclusive alumni giveaway.

Event Highlights and What to Expect

The Showcase and Solar Charging: Teams will be actively charging their vehicles. Their solar arrays will be pointed up toward the sun, giving visitors a fantastic, rare view of the intricate inner workings and cockpit interiors of the cars.
Live Car Judging (Afternoon - Timing TBD): Catch the official ASC judges in action during the afternoon. The judges will be testing and scoring practical design and utility elements, evaluating factors like driver comfort, accessibility and how much cargo or luggage can fit inside the multi-occupant vehicles.
Amenities: Public restroom facilities will be open and accessible right next to the mall inside Walter Library.

Parking and Transportation

Public parking is conveniently located in several parking ramps just a short walk from Northrop Mall:

Church Street Garage (very limited capacity), 80 Church St. SE
Art Museum Garage, 333 East River Parkway
East River Road Garage, 385 East River Parkway
Washington Avenue Ramp, 501 Washington Ave. SE

For maps and more information on parking locations and pricing, visit the Parking and Transportation website.

Accessibility and Drop-Off: Guests with limited mobility or those requiring an accessible path to the mall can utilize the passenger drop-off areas along Pleasant St. SE (near Walter Library) or Pillsbury Drive SE (near the Tate Laboratory of Physics).

Skip the traffic and parking fees by taking public transit directly to the heart of campus:

Metro Green Line LRT: Exit at the East Bank Station. Northrop Mall is located just a 3-minute walk directly north of the station platform.
Metro Transit Buses: Dozens of local and express bus routes service the Washington Ave. and Union St. intersection or the Coffman Union turnaround, both steps from the event.

Inclement Weather Plan

Display Day is scheduled to take place rain or shine!

Minor Rain: The showcase will continue outdoors as planned on the sidewalks of Northrop Mall (though solar arrays may be covered for safety).
Severe Weather: The showcase will move entirely indoors to the University of Minnesota Field House (1800 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455).

Note: Official weather-related venue calls are determined by American Solar Challenge officials.

Can’t Make it to Campus?

If you are living outside the Twin Cities or are unable to join us on Friday afternoon, you can still champion our student engineers from afar!

Follow the Race: Keep up with live tracking, daily route standings and official weather updates by following @AmericanSolarChallenge on Facebook/Instagram.
Support the Team: Fuel the UMN Solar Vehicle Project's cross-country journey and help them cross the finish line by visiting the UMN Solar Vehicle Project Crowdfunding Campaign.

Quirky Quantum Physics lecture series - Aleksey Cherman

Speaker: Aleksey Cherman

Title: Why Particles Don't Exist

Aleksey Cherman is an Associate Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy: I am a theoretical physicist working in the Nuclear Theory group at UMN. I am primarily focused on understanding the non-perturbative properties of relativistic quantum field theories. This means that I most often study the strong nuclear force and its many manifestations in nuclear physics and particle physics, because some of the most pressing questions about non-perturbative quantum field theory come from these areas.

Quantum field theory is an enormously powerful framework for understanding a huge range of phenomena in nature, ranging from condensed-matter systems one can explore in table-top experiments, to the high-energy particle physics explored in huge particle colliders, to the behavior of stars studied by astronomers.