ETpathfinder opens its doors
Over the past year and a half, ETpathfinder has frequently featured in the news as the development and testing laboratory for the Einstein Telescope (ET). The pathfinder has been built in a cleanroom at Maastricht University. This is where technologies including optics and cryogenic technology (cooling), mirror coatings, vibration isolation and vacuum systems are being tested.
The laboratory is roughly the size of a sports hall. Before too long, ETpathfinder will be expanded with two towers, transforming the laboratory into the leading European centre for research into low-frequency gravitational waves.
A rare opportunity
It is extremely rare to get the chance to visit ETpathfinder. On Wednesday evening, 23 September, this will be possible as part of an evening programme on gravitational-wave research organised by Maastricht University (UM) for the general public.
“Since the Einstein Telescope has attracted so much attention, we have also received many questions from people who would like to see our pathfinder. We are delighted to now have the opportunity to show people what we are working on, and we are quite proud of it. As Maastricht University celebrates its 50th anniversary, that was an additional reason to organise this evening,” explains Sander Wolters of UM’s Gravitational Waves and Fundamental Physics department.
A varied programme
The programme that evening includes not only a visit to ETpathfinder, but also an interactive quiz in which members of the public put their questions to scientists and experts from ETpathfinder and the Einstein Telescope. There will also be an interactive exhibition entitled ‘Einstein’s Dream’, an opportunity to meet gravitational-wave researchers, and a screening of the multi-award-winning short science film Spacetime. The film explores gravitational waves and how the Einstein Telescope will eventually detect them, helping us learn more about the early universe.
For the general public
“We believe we have put together a great programme aimed at people who do not work with science every day but are interested in what is happening around ETpathfinder. How do you listen to the universe? How do you detect colliding stars billions of kilometres away? How do supermassive black holes merge? Dive into the science behind these black holes with us!” says Sander Wolters, inviting the public to join.
Admission
A maximum of 150 people aged 14 and over can attend this event. Guests will take part in all elements of the programme in smaller groups, allowing for maximum attention to each activity. The evening is free of charge, and parking is available at the university building at Duboisdomein 30 in Maastricht. Registration is required.
The programme lasts approximately one and a half hours. The first group starts at 17:00, and the final group at 20:45. Once registration has been confirmed, subject to availability, participants will be informed of their group allocation and the start time of their group’s programme.