Unraveling Visible Light: A Spotlight on the Light Loom Exhibit

See light like never before at the Light Loom exhibit at the Science Mill.

In the spirit of inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals through hands-on learning, the Science Mill collaborated with Patten Studio to create an interactive installation to bring new life to an old grain silo. The result is the Light Loom — is a one-of-a-kind kinetic sculpture that unravels visible light to teach visitors of all ages about the properties of additive color.

In Light Loom, a cord spanning the entire 40’ height of the silo is spun by an attached motor, generating a waveform. The undulating rope is illuminated by LED light, which looked at directly, appears white. However, the motion of the rope reveals that this white light is created by mixing various different colors of light together. As the cord moves back and forth, the white light is “unraveled” into the various colors of light that were previously combined, revealing it to be a kind of optical illusion.

Visitors engage the sculpture through an interface made of touch-free optical sensors. Each sensor represents one of the primary colors in additive color theory: red, green, and blue. These sensors control the LED color input being shone through the sculpture from below, resulting in different additive color combinations. By playing with the sculpture, visitors discover that red and green form yellow, red and blue form magenta, blue and green form cyan, and white light is produced when all three primary colors coincide.

Photo by Patten Studio

Learn more about the science of light at our Thanksgiving week event, the Spectacular Science of Light!

Did you know that light and sound are both waves?

Did you know that light and sound are both waves?

This means the way that they transfer energy through space is in the form of a wave! Light waves and sound waves are, however, very different. Light travels much, much faster than sound (have you ever heard the phrase: “at the speed of light”?). “Light waves move at speeds that are nearly one million times faster than sound waves are capable of traveling.” 

Wave-lengths are how we distinguish between colors of visible light. Red light is made of longer, slower waves, and violet light is made of shorter, faster waves. The widely-known sequence of visible light, or “colors of the rainbow” (ROYGBIV), are actually in wavelength order! A rainbow is a spectrum, or separation, of light, caused by rays of sunshine shining through raindrops that are suspended in the air after a rainstorm.

Image Source

To learn more about the behavior of light, check out the Light Loom exhibit at the Science Mill to see a hands-on demonstration of color mixing! And if you want to explore more about sound waves, head on over to the Explorer Zone to learn about Sound in our Silos!

What is Monarch Watch Tagging?

The Monarch butterfly, with its distinctive orange and black wings, is one of nature's most captivating and iconic creatures. Each year, these magnificent insects undertake an incredible journey, traveling thousands of miles from North America to their wintering grounds in Mexico. The remarkable story of their migration and conservation efforts to protect these delicate creatures has given rise to initiatives like Monarch Watch Tagging, a project that allows individuals to actively participate in understanding and preserving these butterflies — and YOU can be a part of this project!

First, let’s look at the migration of these butterflies.

Understanding Monarch Migration

During the fall, millions of Monarchs leave their breeding grounds in North America to travel to the warmer climate of Mexico. This journey spans several generations, as no single butterfly makes the entire round-trip flight. Instead, the butterflies follow a relay system, with each generation passing the baton to the next. This complex and awe-inspiring phenomenon raises numerous questions about how these tiny creatures manage to find their way across vast distances, which is where Monarch Watch Tagging comes into play.

The Significance of Monarch Watch Tagging

Monarch Watch Tagging is a citizen science program that plays a vital role in the conservation of these magnificent butterflies. Through this initiative, participants, or "taggers," apply small, harmless, adhesive tags to the wings of Monarch butterflies. These tags contain unique identification numbers, allowing researchers to track individual butterflies. Here are some key reasons why Monarch Watch Tagging is essential:

1. Migration Research: Monarch Watch Tagging provides valuable data about the routes Monarchs take, the timing of their migrations, and their destinations. This information is crucial for understanding the intricacies of the Monarchs' incredible journey and ensuring their survival.

2. Conservation Efforts: By tracking Monarchs, scientists can identify the locations of crucial breeding, migration, and overwintering sites. This information helps in the development of targeted conservation efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems.

3. Engaging the Community: Monarch Watch Tagging is an excellent way to involve people from all walks of life in the conservation of Monarch butterflies. It fosters a sense of connection with nature and encourages environmental stewardship.

How to Get Involved

If you want to learn how to participate in Monarch Watch Tagging, you can drop by the Science Mill from October 21-22! Tagging supplies will be provided as well as guides on how to safely locate, catch, and tag Monarchs. You will also learn how to report your findings, which will help scientists learn more about this incredible migration process.

Workshop entry comes with museum admission.

So what are you waiting for? Become a citizen scientist this weekend at the Science Mill!

Additional Resources:

• Monarch Watch

• Monarch Network Hub

When was the last annular solar eclipse in Texas?

The Lone Star State is known for its vast landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture. But did you know that it has also been a stage for celestial wonders? Texans had the privilege of witnessing the last annular solar eclipse on April 7, 1940. This celestial spectacle left a lasting impression on those who were fortunate enough to experience it.

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a "ring of fire" or annulus around the edges. These events are rare and highly anticipated by skywatchers. The 1940 annular eclipse was no exception.

The path of the eclipse extended across a significant portion of Texas, treating residents to a breathtaking view of the celestial dance between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

Houston, San Antonio, and Austin were some of the major cities within the path of the eclipse. Thousands of curious onlookers gathered at various viewing locations equipped with specialized eclipse glasses and telescopes, eagerly awaiting the moment when the Moon would create its fiery ring.

If you missed the last annular solar eclipse in Texas, fear not! We have one coming up this Saturday, October 14 - make sure to wear the proper eyewear to safely view this rare phenomenon! Directly looking at the sun or eclipse can cause permanent damage, so please take the proper precautions. The Science Mill has eclipse viewing glasses for your convenience! ✨