What is a neutrino? Where do they come from? Are they dangerous to life on earth? Dr. Stanley Yen will answer the answers to these and other questions about the role of neutrinos in our universe on Friday, April 12 at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt at 7:30 p.m.
"Each time that astronomers view the universe with a different set of eyes, either through radio or infrared, or X-rays, they gain new insights," said Yen. "Neutrinos allow us to look into the core of the sun and of exploding supernovae and directly "see" the nuclear processes occurring there."
In his presentation, he will focus on two neutrino telescopes located two km underground in Sudbury, Ont.
Yen earned a PhD in nuclear physics from the University of Toronto in 1983 and has worked at the TRIUMF laboratory in Vancouver since then. His work includes various experiments in nuclear and particle physics, both at TRIUMF and at overseas labs, his most recent interest being the detection of neutrinos from supernovae explosions.
TRIUMF is not only one of the world's leading subatomic physics labs, but is also a global model of success, as it brings together dedicated physicists, sophisticated technical resources and commercial partners. Its large user community are international teams of scientists, post-doctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students. TRIUMF's research advances will enhance the health and quality of life of millions of Canadians, launch new high-tech companies and create new highly specialized drugs. The dedication of scientists such as Yen helps us to understand our environment and spur the imaginations of our children who want to know their place in the universe.
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