In Manning Hall a NASA exhibit displays numerous artifacts for university students to enjoy. The artifacts include astronaut gloves, a shuttle thermal tile and a space telescope model.
An extraterrestrial vibe is taking over at the University of Memphis’ Manning Hall. A pair of astronaut gloves and an original tile of a NASA space shuttle have spent several months in outer space before being shown in the lobby of the Department of Physics and Material Sciences.
In Manning Hall a NASA exhibit displays numerous artifacts for university students to enjoy. The artifacts include astronaut gloves, a shuttle thermal tile and a space telescope model.
These two items are part of a recently acquired collection of NASA artifacts. Additionally, an astronaut drinking bag, a model of a space telescope and a meteor strike test plate are shown in the lobby.
The new collection will be that first thing that greets attendants of the department’s “open house†on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Firouzeh Sabri, professor of experimental material physics at the University of Memphis, brought the artifacts to campus.
“The department of physics is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year,†she said. “In showcasing the artifacts we want to honor the long history of physics’ contribution to aerospace science.â€
Getting the items was a long and tedious process, Sabri said. Last year she applied for the objects at NASA and then entered a screening process.
“NASA decides which institution deserves the artifacts and can best take care of them. They also have to be made accessible to the public,†she said.
Sabri said students can learn a lot about the importance of physics from the artifacts.
“This is the perfect home for the items,†she said. “Everything in aerospace sciences comes back to the laws of physics. It’s all about how the material properties stand or fail under the extreme conditions in space.â€
At the open house, visitors can listen to different lectures, tour the labs and participate in interesting experiments themselves.
The event is free for everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be available. As a guest speaker, Jonathan B. Farr from the St. Jude Children’s Hospital will talk about medical biophysics and especially radiation and proton therapy.
“This will be a fun and very laid-back event,†Sabri said. “All teachers, parents and students from middle school to college are welcome. It is a good opportunity to see how physics has to do with everything.â€
