University's South Pole Scientists Aim New Telescope At Stars
John Ruhl and his South Pole research team from Case Western Reserve University's physics department were among scientists from nine universities that pointed the new $19.2 million South Pole Telescope (SPT) toward Jupiter in February to begin testing its power to help astrophysicists understand the universe.
"The combination of the large aperture, off-axis telescope, the large-detector array and the prime observing site will enable the deepest searches yet for new clusters of galaxies," said Ruhl. "We will use this census of galaxies as a tracer of the expansion of the universe."
By studying the expansion of the universe, the researchers will answer questions about the nature of dark energy, which Ruhl said is "known to be out there but which we know little about." Read more.
Campus News
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's budget for the next two years drastically cuts funding to Student Choice Grants, which offer financial assistance to all Ohio residents seeking a bachelor's degree at an independent, nonprofit Ohio university or college, including Case Western Reserve University. Learn more about the grants and the university's efforts to change this proposal.
The university has acquired a membership in the Center for the Advancement of Research Methods and Analysis (CARMA), which provides online access to live Web casts and archived video of presentations on research methods topics by top scholars from around the country. View the next Web cast broadcast live from noon to 3 p.m., Friday, April 20 in the Peter B. Lewis Building, Room 201. For a user ID and password, send e-mail to Greer Jordan.
For Faculty & Staff
Traveline, the university's preferred travel agency, has developed a proprietary online booking tool "Travelport" for use by university travelers and travel arrangers. The agency will be offering training sessions at Kelvin Smith Library beginning today and throughout April. Relevant personnel must register online. Slots will be filled first come, first served. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a free domestic airline ticket on Continental airlines for departmental use.
Employees are invited to celebrate with the newest university alumni and their families by volunteering for the May 20 commencement. Volunteers are needed for a variety of duties, including ushers, greeters, ribbon holders and ticket-takers. To participate, complete and submit an online application.
For Students
Mandel Council for Student Community Leadership will present "Surviving Hate and Moving Forward" from 6-8 tonight at the Mandel School, Room 320. The event will feature a Holocaust survivor, a Sudanese/Darfur refugee and a survivor of the Japanese internment camps. Facilitated discussion follows. Free kosher dinner provided.
Kelvin Smith Library is sponsoring two sessions to Explore the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Xplore Database and possibly win prizes from IEEE. Event takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., April 18 in White Hall, Room 411. Pizza will be served but RSVP to bcg8@case.edu to guarantee sufficient food. An alternative session is set from 2-3 that afternoon in Nord Hall, Room 310.
The premedical chapter of the American Medical Student Association is participating in a book and textbook drive that supports literacy in Africa. Drop off donations in the big white collection boxes in the lobbies of every house within the Village at 115 and in Thwing Center labeled "Better World Books -- Books for Africa." Drive continues through the end of finals week.
Events
Performances by the Mather Dance Collective (MaDaCol) take place at 8 p.m. on April 19 and 20, and at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on April 21 at the Mather Dance Center. Tickets are $4. Details: Call 368-6262.
Solstice, a women's a cappella group, will perform its annual spring concert from 7-9 p.m., April 19 in Amasa Stone Chapel. The group will perform songs by artists such as En Vogue, the Eurythmics, KT Tunstall, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others. Visit the Solstice Web site to learn more.
Saul Levmore, dean, University of Chicago Law School, will headline the School of Law's annual Sumner Canary Lecture at 4:30 today in the law school's Moot Courtroom A59. Topic is "Parental Leave and Other Embarrassments." Free.
For a list of other events and activities on campus and in the community today, refer to the WebEvent calendar.
