GOVERNMENT

NCSA research scientist Robert Brunner, a professor in the Department of Astronomy, will give a talk on "Quasars and Cosmological Cartography: Illuminating Cosmic History with Supermassive Black Holes" on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10:45 a.m. to noon in 141 Loomis Laboratory, 1110 W. Green St. His presentation is part of the Center for Theoretical Astrophysics 2006 Saturday Astrophysics Honors Program, which is sponsored by NCSA and the departments of Physics and Astronomy. The program aims to introduce high school students to topics in astrophysics but is also open to the public, including teachers, parents, siblings, etc. so students can participate individually or with classmates or with their families. Prior knowledge of physics, astronomy, and computing is not needed. Following Brunner's talk, a tour of NCSA facilities will be offered at 1 p.m. The program is free. Participants are asked to register at least two days before each session at its Web site. Parking is available on the east side of the building in lot B21, to the west in lot B7, and northeast of Loomis in lot B1. Light refreshments will be served starting at 10:15 a.m. outside the lecture theater in Loomis Laboratory. For full information and a schedule of other Honors Program presentations, go to its Web site.