From learning how light is scattered to watching scientists irradiate breakfast cereal, visitors of all ages can participate in a host of physics-related activities at the Wilson Synchrotron Laboratory Open House, June 27, 1-4 p.m.

The open house will feature accelerator and X-ray science in particular, and give attendees a glimpse into perhaps Cornell's biggest science attraction of all: the Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) that, if built, would offer some of the world's most powerful X-ray technology. Cornell scientists are preparing a final proposal, to be submitted to the National Science Foundation, for the $400 million ERL.

As in years past, the open house will feature general science demonstrations and tours of Cornell's existing particle accelerator, the Cornell Electron-Positron Storage Ring (CESR), as well as door prizes and refreshments.

New this year will be a demonstration of the ERL prototype injector, a key instrument in the much larger ERL that would eventually encompass a linear accelerator stretching underground. The ERL prototype was completed last year.

Visitors will also hear about the CESR test-accelerator program, a modification of CESR that is helping Cornell scientists do feasibility research for the International Linear Collider, a particle accelerator project still in planning stages.

For more information about research at CLASSE and details on the open house: http://www.lepp.cornell.edu/Education/UpcomingEvents.html.