Power to the people

The Sciencenter in Ithaca celebrated its 20th anniversary and had an electric opening for its new wing, Feb. 28. Some 50 visitors formed a circle and held between them, alternately, pieces of steel and copper, which allowed each person to become a cell, generating through their linkage enough voltage to cut, or melt, a ceremonial ribbon. Above, Charles Trautmann, executive director of the Sciencenter and a Cornell adjunct professor of engineering, energizes the crowd before the ribbon cutting. On the wall behind him is the meter used to gauge the buildup of energy needed from the human battery. Nicola Kountoupes/University Photography