Neutrino Day: A Matter Mystery goes virtual

LEAD, SD (June 30, 2020)—For the past 11 years, Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab) hosted Neutrino Day, the region’s largest free science festival on the second Saturday of July in Lead, South Dakota. This annual event is the highlight of our year, as we open our doors to the surrounding communities and celebrate science and discovery.

Like so many other organizations, Sanford Lab made the decision to take a new approach to this event due to the Covid-19 pandemic, transforming the citywide science festival into a completely virtual six-day event that runs July 6-11.

“During this very challenging time, Sanford Lab remains committed to carrying out our mission to advance science through education and public outreach,” said Mike Headley, executive director of Sanford Lab. “We are very excited to present Neutrino Day in this new and innovative way and invite people to join us for our virtual event.”

Once again, Neutrino Day features speakers, live chats with scientists, hands-on activities, Native American activities, a virtual art exhibit, wild science demonstrations, contests and virtual facility tours, including the underground lab space. In other words, everything you’ve come to expect—and all available via our online Neutrino Day hub: www.neutrinoday.com. Anyone from anywhere can log on to join in.

The site also includes links to activities from our partners, including the Journey Museum, Black Hills Energy and Sanford Health, among others. With dozens of activities, this year’s event could seem a little overwhelming. However, the design of the site makes it easy to search events by time, category and age group. We also have downloadable Investigator Notebooks and Scavenger Hunts to help K-12 students get the most out of Neutrino Day. Other downloadable activities can be found on the website, as well.

Still have a few questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page on our Neutrino Day website or contact CWalter@sanfordlab.org.

Major financial support for Neutrino Day comes from Black Hills Energy, RCS Construction, Monument Health, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Black Hills State University, South Dakota Public Broadcasting and the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority. Additional support comes from Haugo Broadcasting, Homeslice Media, KEVN, Keloland Media, Simpsons Printing, Mile Up Marketing, Allied Arts Council and the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead.

Sanford Lab is operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) with funding from the Department of Energy. Our mission is to advance compelling underground, multidisciplinary research in a safe work environment and to inspire and educate through science, technology and engineering. Visit Sanford Lab at www.SanfordLab.org.