Shedding Light on Electromagnetic Radiation *In-Person* *NEW*
When:
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 6:00p -
8:30p
Friday, Apr 17, 2026 6:00p -
8:30p
Where:
CCAE
56 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Admission:
$50
Hosted by:
Categories:
Classes, Date Idea, Tech
Event website:
https://ccae.org/classes/offering/628711/shedding-light-on-electromagnetic-radiation-in-person-new
Have you seen ads for amulets, charms, or other devices promising to protect you from the “dangerous” electromagnetic radiation emitted by Wi-Fi routers and 5G cell towers? In this class, we'll separate myth from fact, explore what electro-magnetic radiation (A.K.A. light) really is, and learn what forms of electromagnetic radiation you should actually worry about. Spoiler alert: save your money on those amulets and buy sunscreen instead! We'll dive deep into the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum, highlighting how astronomers use light to learn all about the universe, how human eyes and polarizing sunglasses work, and how rainbows form. You'll even gather a surface-level understanding of quantum field theory, the scary-sounding theory that gives physicists their best understanding of how the universe works. The class will include interactive demonstrations with things you can take home, including diffraction gratings and polarizing films. Instructor: Chris Layden
