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Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman
Check upcoming events for dates and times
Free for Donors and Daytime Members.
Note: There is limited capacity for this program; seating will be made available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
Open your eyes to the physics of natural phenomena with Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman. In this dynamic series, surprising visuals, real-time and recorded experiments, and intriguing objects illuminate wide-ranging presentations on topics such as color, time, fireworks, science fiction, and the universe. Each program is focused for general or adults-only audiences, and conversation is encouraged to help everyone find the same wavelength.
Since joining the Exploratorium in 1971, Ron Hipschman has worked as an exhibit developer, author, teacher, and webcast host. He currently works on the Exploratorium’s Environmental Initiative, implementing and maintaining a collection of environmental monitoring sensors and developing visualizations for the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery’s super-resolution media wall. In addition to Full-Spectrum Science, Ron hosts the monthly After Dark series Everything Matters: Tales from the Periodic Table.
Upcoming Events
Come ooooo and ahhhh at the science behind these big booms! Where do fireworks come from? Who invented them? What causes their beautiful colors, and how do the bursting shells create such different patterns? Join us for some real illumination, and learn the difference between a jerb and a lance.
How does your thermostat work and how does a Thermos® know to keep a hot thing hot and a cold thing cold? The mysteries will be revealed in this talk.
In 1960, the laser was known as “a solution looking for a problem.” Now we can hardly imagine life without them. Learn what’s special about laser light, how it’s made, and how it’s used in everything from DVD players to eye surgery to fusion energy research.
Past Programs
Is growth always good? The biggest threat to our existence on planet Earth isn’t asteroids—it’s us. Why can’t our population continue to grow? Learn about the exponential function and the conclusions we can draw from it.
What's going on inside the nucleus of an atom? Why does it spit out radiation? Did you know that you are exposed to radioactivity every day? Learn the facts about this somewhat controversial topic.
Come see our winter exhibitions before the year is over! Explore Glow and Curious Contraptions and close out the year with our staff scientist Ron Hipschman and Full-Spectrum Science.
Are the primary colors really red, yellow, and blue? How can you get yellow from mixing red and green together? Bring your most colorful questions to this vivid presentation.
Explore ways to make color—from neon signs to oil slicks to rainbows and more. Learn all about light, how it is made and interacts, and take home materials to build your own spectroscope.
If you’ve ever wondered where your flying car or rocket belt is, or why you don’t yet have a robot servant, find out at Full-Spectrum Science.
In 1905, Albert Einstein threw a monkey wrench in our perception of time and space. Join us as we examine a few of these quirks on a conceptual nonmathematical level. Yes, you can age slower than your twin!
In 1960, the laser was known as “a solution looking for a problem.” Now we can hardly imagine life without them. Learn what’s special about laser light, how it’s made, and how it’s used in everything from DVD players to eye surgery to fusion energy research.
What does the moon have to do with tides? When do lunar eclipses happen and why? Why is a growing moon called a waxing moon? Come learn the answers to these questions and more with staff scientist Ron Hipschman.
Come ooooo and ahhhh at the science behind these big booms! Where do fireworks come from? Who invented them? What causes their beautiful colors, and how do the bursting shells create such different patterns? Join us for some real illumination, and learn the difference between a jerb and a lance.
Why do you see yourself in reverse when you look at yourself in a mirror? Why are you not upside down? Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman reveals the physics behind different types of mirrors and reflects on fascinating aspects of their construction and applications.
What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation.
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