26 June 2017

Celebrate Dark Matter Day on 31 October

Richard Fienberg

Richard Fienberg AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force

This post is adapted from an Interactions.org press release:

Dark Matter DayOn and around 31 October 2017, events around the world will celebrate the hunt for the universe’s unseen “dark matter.” Dark Matter Day events will engage the public in discussions about dark matter and about the many experiments that seek to solve its mysteries.

Universities, laboratories, institutions, and individuals are invited to organize a Dark Matter Day event in their area or online. Events could include a public lecture on dark matter, a tour of a science laboratory or experiment connected with the search for dark matter, a dark-matter-themed planetarium show or film presentation, Q&A with a scientist live or online, classroom presentation…the sky is the limit.

The Dark Matter Day website includes resources that can help you find and connect with local dark matter experts, plan a program for a particular audience, and promote and share your events with the world.

Check out some of the other offerings at darkmatterday.com:

  • A Dark Matter Day FAQ to answer your questions about the purpose of this premier effort.
  • An Event Starter Kit to help plan a Dark Matter Day event yourself.
  • A Submit an Event form to let Dark Matter Day organizers know about your event so they can help spread the word.
  • A Find an Event feature so you can learn about upcoming Dark Matter Day events near you.
Why Is There a Day Dedicated to Dark Matter?
Revealing dark matter’s true nature will tell us a lot about the origins, evolution, and overall structure in the universe, and will reshape our understanding of physics.

Dark Matter Day events are intended to educate the public about the importance of learning all we can about dark matter to develop a fuller picture of the unseen universe. Focusing more brainpower and scientific resources on dark matter’s mysteries could lead to new ideas and new discoveries.

Who Is Behind Dark Matter Day?
This first-ever Dark Matter Day campaign was conceived by the Interactions Collaboration, a group of science communicators representing the world’s particle physics laboratories. The collaboration also runs the Dark Matter Day website as a resource for people who want to host or attend local Dark Matter Day events.
Need More Help?
Members of the Interactions Collaboration want you to be a part of Dark Matter Day. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions, comments, or suggestions.