Jefferson Lab Open House Is May 19

The U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News will hold an open house on Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors can explore the world-class research conducted at the lab by an international cadre of researchers, including physicists from Old Dominion University.

There will be a booth staffed by the ODU Department of Physics to showcase the research that ODU groups conduct with Jefferson Lab, and to present physics concepts for all ages. ODU physicists at the booth will include members of the Experimental Nuclear/Particle Physics Group and the Center for Accelerator Science. ODU faculty members Sebastian Kuhn and Jean Delayen are coordinating the university's participation in the open house.

The event will include the opportunity to visit Jefferson Lab's newest experimental hall (Hall D), which is a cornerstone of a major upgrade project that is underway. The project, funded by the Department of Energy's Office of Science, will allow the lab to continue as a world leader in nuclear physics research by providing new and enhanced research capabilities for the 1,360 scientists from 259 institutions that come to Jefferson Lab to conduct experiments.

Exhibits, demonstrations, tours and hands-on activities are planned and will provide opportunities for learning and fun for families and people of all ages. Local universities, museums, private companies and government agencies will present activities and information on complimentary scientific endeavors.

The Open House will be free of charge and held rain or shine. Free parking will be available on the Jefferson Lab campus and adjacent property. Parking lots will open at 8:30 a.m., with no early arrivals admitted. No vehicles will be admitted to the parking lots after 2 p.m. All parking will be accessible by turning east onto Hogan Drive at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Hogan, in Newport News. This intersection has a stoplight and Newport News Police will be on hand to direct traffic.

Visitors will be able to access the lab from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and stay until 3 p.m. The event is spread out over several facilities and involves a lot of walking, taking multiple flights of stairs and walking down and back up inclined truck ramps. In some areas, visitors will be walking on compacted gravel or dirt and are advised to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Sunscreen or protective clothing is also recommended. Free shuttle buses will be available to carry visitors between some of the tour stops. Photos and videotaping are welcome.

Vendors will be selling light refreshments. Jefferson Lab's last Open House was in May 2010.

For more information, visit the Jefferson Lab Open House webpage at: https://www.jlab.org/openhouse or call 757-269-7100.