Even neighbourhood festivals are influenced by fashion trends. On the third Saturday in September, a part of Cukrovarnická Street was traditionally transformed into a friendly and sunny neighbourhood space. This year's Zažít město jinak (Experience the City Differently) event ran along the lines of the circular economy – clothes and books were exchanged, photovoltaic devices were demonstrated and there was also positive chemistry.
Sun in the soul, in the sky, on the road and in the binoculars – the space was ruled by the heliosphere. A five-metre-high model of the Sun arrived at Ořechovka in the trunk of Antonín Fejfar's car all the way from the Brno Observatory and Planetarium. The model of our daily star, assembled from the images by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, became a hit thanks to the expert interpretation of the Ebrovs and the popularisers from the Štefánik Observatory. The model's popularity has been significantly contributed to by the lightning-fast spread of the message among the older generation that orbiting the Sun in the right direction has rejuvenating effects. This miraculous cure gradually attracted both the locals and the staff of the Institute of Physics.
Throughout the year, the buildings of the Institute of Physics draw the passers’-by curious eyes, so it is no surprise that interest in the tours has exceeded the capacity of guide Vladimír Míka. After the tours, old-timers stayed in front of the main building and reminisced about the times when they used to play tennis on the local courts or go to the dairy at the bottom of the Institute. The guide was spread pretty thin, giving one private consultation after another. Equally successful were pieces of advice by gardener Peter Hanzl, whose knowledge is in greater demand year by year.
The chemistry show, which alternately evoked wonder, concern and awe on the faces of children and adults alike, was another highlight of the day. Burning crisps, exploding plastic bottles, flying plastic rockets, making ice cream with nitrogen and creating molecules were all unforgettable experiences that introduced children to the mysteries of science in a fun way. Many thanks to Michael Londesborough from the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Jan Kotek from the Faculty of Science of Charles University for this engaging presentation.
Chemistry also captivated the adult audience of the lecture on the secrets of love. Michael Londesborough gave a scientific presentation on affection between animals and humans from the perspective of chemistry and the length of applause and the number of questions made him promise to repeat the lecture soon.
Although this year there was no sloshing around in a kiddie pool full of starchy slime and late-night slime-ball fights, the concert and dancing by the glowing heliosphere attracted visitors well into the night hours, as did star(cluster)gazing through telescopes.