Exhibitions feature hands-on exhibits and multimedia games to engage visitors of all ages with quantum mechanics and particle astrophysics
TORONTO (August 14, 2018) – Delve into the realm of the subatomic when QUANTUM: The Exhibition and New Eyes on the Universe open at the Ontario Science Centre on August 18. These two Canadian-made exhibitions explore the current research and results of the scientists who study at the quantum level — the unseen world around us made-up of particles, forces and fields — to better understand the natural world. From superposition and entanglement to neutrino mass and cosmic rays, these exhibitions help make quantum mechanics and particle astrophysics accessible to visitors of all ages through hands-on exhibits, unique artifacts, informational videos and multimedia games. Both exhibitions are included with general admission to the Science Centre and run to January 6, 2019.
“Quantum mechanics, the branch of physics that explains the behaviour of subatomic particles, is set to have a significant impact on our everyday lives as quantum computing, quantum encryption and other quantum applications become common place,” said Dr. Maurice Bitran, PhD, CEO and Chief Science Officer, Ontario Science Centre. “QUANTUM: The Exhibition provides a great introduction to this fascinating subject that often defies our human-scale intuition. The concurrent exhibition New Eyes on the Universe is the perfect complement. It presents the quest to find missing solar neutrinos, conducted from a mine deep in the Canadian Shield and that led to a Nobel Prize for a Canadian physicist.”
Through creative storytelling and compelling interactives, QUANTUM: The Exhibition examines how quantum mechanics and information technology are merging to create technologies that will revolutionize how we live, work and play. The exhibition introduces visitors to the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, demonstrating that at the subatomic scale, things behave very differently from the macroscopic world we know. Building on these basics, QUANTUM: The Exhibition shows how quantum computing is poised to transform computers, digital communications, information security, medicine and geographical exploration.
“As a global leader in quantum information research, IQC created this exhibition to explain the fundamentals of the field and show how quantum technologies will have tremendous impact on our future,” said Kevin Resch, Interim Director, Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo. “And we hope to inspire and spark the imagination of the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers and mathematicians.”
New Eyes on the Universe tells the story of another Canadian-based world leader — this one in particle astrophysics. Produced by Science North on behalf of SNOLAB, an underground science laboratory specializing in neutrino and dark matter physics, this exhibition centres on Canadian Nobel laureate Dr. Arthur McDonald’s results from the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) and experiments currently underway at SNOLAB.
“This exhibition allows us to share the award-winning research we’ve accomplished and the innovative experiments we’re in the process of conducting,” said Dr. Nigel Smith, PhD, Director, SNOLAB. “With supporters from academia, government and industry working together to tell the history and development of SNO and SNOLAB, New Eyes on the Universe is a shining example of how collaboration in Canadian research and outreach leads to success.”
To better understand what goes on at the two kilometre-deep research facility, the exhibition offers visitors a virtual tour of SNOLAB, a virtual diffusion cloud chamber that shows particle tracts in real time, a scale model of the SNO detector and its unique components, and a life-size “Virtual Art” that presents information from Dr. McDonald himself. New Eyes on the Universe also includes images from Nobel Week 2015 in Stockholm, where Dr. McDonald and Japanese physicist Dr. Takaaki Kajita received the Nobel Prize in Physics, and a display of the Nobel Medal.
For more information about QUANTUM: The Exhibition and New Eyes on the Universe and to purchase tickets, please visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca.
QUANTUM: The Exhibition was created by the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo and is the Knowledge Partner for the exhibition’s run of engagement at the Ontario Science Centre.
New Eyes on the Universe is owned by SNOLAB and tour managed by Science North.
About the Ontario Science Centre
Guided by our mission to inspire passion for the human adventure of discovery, the Ontario Science Centre strives to be a global leader in lifelong learning; a vital link in Ontario’s education and innovation ecosystems; and a convener of public dialogue about technology, science and society. The Centre has welcomed more than 52 million visitors since opening as a Centennial project in 1969, pioneering an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Centre relies on funding from the province, as well as donations from generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share the Centre’s vision to contribute to a more curious, creative and resilient world. Learn more at OntarioScienceCentre.ca.
About the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is a world-leading research centre in quantum information science and technology at the University of Waterloo. IQC’s mission is to develop and advance quantum information science and technology through interdisciplinary collaboration at the highest international level. Enabled by unique infrastructure, IQC’s researchers are making breakthroughs in quantum computing, communications, sensors and materials. IQC’s award-winning outreach opportunities foster scientific curiosity and discovery among students, teachers and the community.
About SNOLAB
SNOLAB is an underground science laboratory specializing in neutrino and dark matter physics. Located two kilometres below the surface in Vale’s Creighton Mine located in Sudbury Ontario Canada, SNOLAB is an expansion of the existing facilities constructed for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) solar neutrino experiment.
About Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario's most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource across the province, operating the second- and eighth-largest science centres in Canada. Science North's attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel. Science North also oversees an award-winning-Large Format Film production unit as well as an International Sales unit. As part of its mandate, Science North provides science experiences throughout Northern Ontario including outreach to schools and festivals, summer science camps and more, and has a permanent base in Thunder Bay providing outreach to the Northwest. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information, please visit ScienceNorth.ca.
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