Ping Pong Balls Simulate Neutrons in Chain Reaction at Bradbury Science Museum

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on July 13, 2013
- 6:21 pm

During ‘Downtown Friday Nights’ at the Bradbury Science Musesum Friday, Ian Aeby demonstrates his Pinocchio 2.0, a complex network of sensors and mechanics that uses ping pong balls to simulate what happens to neutrons in a chain reaction. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Audience member Aidan Monteith, 12, agrees to assist Aeby during the demonstration. Museum marketing coordinator Jessica Privitte, center, looks on. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Staff Report:

Audience members viewed “Pinocchio Reanimated!” during the Downtown Friday Night event at the Bradbury Science Museum.

“Pinocchio Reanimated!” is a remake of a classic exhibit from the Bradbury Science Museum. Aeby created Pinocchio 2.0 and explained that it is a complex network of sensors and mechanics that uses ping pong balls to simulate what happens to neutrons in a chain reaction.

Aeby demonstrated Pinocchio 2.0 and explained what inspired him to remake the simulator. Laboratory retiree and weapons engineer Glen McDuff also attended and explained the science behind the reaction of the Pinocchio 2.0 simulation.

The next Downtown Friday Night event at the Bradbury Science Museum is July 26 and will feature the exhibit grand openings of Bio Algae and CINT. The event is free and open to all ages.

Downtown Friday Nights is sponsored by the Los Alamos Creative District in coordination with local businesses and cultural organizations. The Bradbury Science Museum partners with Fuller Lodge Art Center, the Los Alamos Historical Museum and Los Alamos County among others in the Downtown Friday Night program. More information is on the Bradbury Science Museum website.

Ian Aeby and Aidan Monteith, 12, watch as ping pong balls begin to react in a chain reaction during the Pinocchio 2.0 demonstration Friday night at the Bradbury Science Museum. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com