On Saturday, Oct. 19, members of the public are invited to explore the world-class research facilities at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, N.Y., just outside of New York City.
Once a year, scientists at Columbia’s Lamont campus for climate and Earth science share their work and discoveries via lab tours, talks and hands-on science activities that are instructive and engaging for all ages.
Attendees will learn about exciting developments in the Earth sciences, and about how our growing knowledge of the planet helps to preserve its future. Different exhibits are aimed at varied ages and educational levels, from elementary school-age children to college students to those well versed in the Earth sciences. Accompanying these exhibits will be lectures on seafloor mapping, micro- and nanoplastics and climate impacts, among other topics.
As this year also marks the 75th anniversary of Lamont, expect expanded offerings such as an exhibit of art based on scientific research; AI interpretations of climate disasters; an ice pod that uses radar to track changes in ice sheets and glaciers; and much more.
Take a peek at some of our past years’ activities and learn more about this year’s exhibits, tours and lectures. Here are some highlights:
- Create your own volcanic eruptions and witness an annual favorite: the exploding trash-can volcano.
- Test your soil and paint for lead with Lamont geochemist Lex van Geen and his students. Here’s how to collect your samples.
- Get your hands into the polar regions with glacier goo.
- See how a bathtub full of cornstarch and water can be used to understand the dynamics of our planet.
- View actual rocks from the moon!
Lamont Open House is free and open to the public, with a $5 suggested donation. Register here.
FREE Shuttle Buses depart for the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus and return to Columbia University’s Morningside campus in Manhattan throughout the day. See the location and schedules details.
