The Society of Physics Students is driving to the University of Michigan to attend a physics presentation on April 12 titled, “A Viking Navigational Aid: Polarized Light.”
“You’d be interested in this event if you’re interested in nature in the physical world and history to some extent,” said freshman Joshua Ramette, president of the society.
The talk takes a scientific look at the historical issue of how the Vikings navigated in the North Atlantic Ocean before the invention of the magnetic compass. Michigan’s visiting physics scholar, Professor Vasudevan Lakshminarayanan, will focus on the theory that the “sunstone” mentioned in Viking legend was actually a calcite crystal that assisted Viking navigation though light depolarization.
The group holds meetings on the first Thursday of every month in room 108 in the basement of Strosacker. Group meetings typically attract physics majors, but anyone with an interest in physics is welcome to attend.
“The group is really inclusive, and we’re really excited for non-physics students to participate,” Ramette said.
The group tries to host a few events throughout the semester either on the campus or somewhere outside of Hillsdale, and the talks at Michigan have been popular in the past.
“Saturday morning physics talks are our favorite events,” Ramette said.
–Evan Carter
