Cool Science Tour (Boulder)
Published May 10th, 2008 on Colorado-for-Free - your guide to free things to do in Colorado
If you’re intrigued by science & techie stuff — weather, electromagnetism, atomic clocks, and the like — then This Tour’s for You!
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly known as the National Bureau of Standards) offers public, guided tours lasting about 2 hours on Thursdays at 1 PM (except for federal holidays).
Learn about:
Lasers, optical fibers, superconducting integrated circuits, atomic clocks, cryogenics, electromagnetic interference, telecommunications technology
Most importantly, perhaps you can find the answers to questions that have surely haunted you:
Why do we need leap seconds?
What is the origin of hours, minutes and seconds?
What is the law on time zones?
I know I’ve always wanted to understand these things better. I certainly don’t want to get a ticket for illegal use of time zones.
Tours begin in the lobby of Building 1 (the building with the flagpole in front). Visitors see a cryogenics demonstration and the atomic clock. Tours are free, but U.S. citizens must make reservations at least one week in advance; foreign visitors must register two weeks in advance. Reservations may be made by calling (303) 497-5507. No self-guided tours are allowed.