Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2011 - (Page 3)

editor’s note Observation and imagination You don’t need to be a student of physics to appreciate the reflection of a mountain in a glacial lake or the iridescence of a dragonfly’s wings. Without knowing a single formula, you can enjoy the rich sounds of a cello and the thrill of a rollercoaster. But if you’re curious about the science behind the phenomena you experience through your senses, you’re bound to find your way to physics. Physics provides the concepts and tools with which to explore the nature of the physical world. Concerned with the laws that govern mass and energy, force and motion, and space and time, physics offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the universe, from the smallest subatomic particles to the vast expanse of space. It is a science through which we can zoom in to understand how electrical impulses fire across the brain and zoom out to model the collisions of galaxies. Its domain includes cells and computer circuits, earthquakes and climate change, meteor showers and the human heartbeat. The realm of physics includes both what we can observe and what we can only imagine; concepts like quantum mechanics and string theory give us ways to describe the physical world beyond our perception. Advances in physics have also allowed us to see things that were once invisible to us. MRI scanners, groundpenetrating imaging technologies, and revolutionary space telescopes have given us incredible views into the worlds within, around, and beyond us. Thanks to physics, we can see—and now imagine—farther. As this issue of Imagine shows, there is still much to see and discover. You’ll hear from cosmologist Risa Wechsler, who studies the evolution of galaxies in her hunt for dark matter and dark energy. You’ll hear from graduate students who are working toward fusion energy, more precise atomic clocks, and better measurements of the forces that hold nucleons together. You’ll look ahead with Taylor Wilson, the Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award winner who is now looking for ways to reuse spent fuel from nuclear power plants. And, if you want more proof that there are still discoveries to be made, check out the interview with astronomer Marc Postman, who says that the coolest thing about his job “is learning something new about the universe.” In physics, the path to discovery begins with a sense of wonder about how the world works. This issue’s contributors all share that inquisitive spirit. They’re all students of physics. We hope that after reading this issue, you’ll want to be one, too. —mh departments Big Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 In My Own Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Cosmologist Risa Wechsler Selected Opportunities & Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Off the Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Word Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Exploring Career Options . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Interview with astronomer Marc Postman One Step Ahead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Give me a break Planning Ahead for College . . . . . . . . . . 41 Need-based financial aid Students Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 The University of Virginia Creative Minds Imagine. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Poetry contest winners Mark Your Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Knossos Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine imagine 3 CHArLES BECKMAN

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2011

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2011
Contents
Big Picture
In My Own Words
Physics Is…
Making the Team
Nuclear by Nature
Physics: The Next Generation
Telescopic Views
Exploring the Mysterious Lives of Stars
Around the Universe in Three Weeks
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Book Buddies
Meeting the (Economics) Challenge
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Creative Minds Imagine
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2011