Published: Dec. 11, 2002

The origin of light will be explained through a number of experiments at the CU Wizards show "Lasers and Light" on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Henry Kapteyn and Margaret Murnane, physics professors at the University of Colorado at Boulder, will present the free 90-minute show at 9:30 a.m. in Duane Physics room G1B30. Murnane is one of six CU-Boulder faculty members who have received the MacArthur Fellowship or "genius grant."

During the show, Murnane and her husband, Kapteyn, will demonstrate how light is generated using a wide range of processes, including lasers, optical illusions and chemical reactions. The show will feature plenty of explosions and fire, Murnane said.

Student volunteers will be able to help with the show and even use some of the lasers.

CU Wizards is usually held the third Saturday of each month during the academic year and focuses on astronomy, chemistry and physics. Though intended primarily for students in grades five through nine, the shows are educational and entertaining to people of all ages.

For information about the CU Wizards series call (303) 492-6852 or visit the Web site at .