Ogden Calendar

On Tuesday, October 27, the Department of Physics & Astronomy at WKU will host “A Nightmare on Physics Avenue 2026” from 5:30 PM central time to 7:30 in Kelly Thompson Hall on the WKU campus (next to the planetarium).  Free for the public, this will feature Halloween-themed science activities and demonstrations, as well as a brief themed planetarium show.

 

”Nightmare on Physics Avenue” activities begin at the entrance to Kelly Thompson Hall, allowing guests to experience many physics-based thrills centered around Halloween scares.  Physics students and instructors will explain the underlying science and how these work.  Wrapped candies will be provided by the Physics & Astronomy Department.

 

Shortly before the event, beginning at 5:10 PM, Hardin Planetarium will offer 15-minute themed planetarium shows every 20 minutes.  The last performance begins at 6:10 PM, as the regular free public show begins at 7:00 PM.

 

For 2026 several new tricks and treats have been added.  Physics Instructor (and Crypt Master) Kenny Lee explained, “There will be surprises and delights, and spooks around every corner.  We have hair-raising—literally—machines that Dr. Frankenstein wished he had.”  Lee added, “We want to emphasize Halloween, so we will be in costume, and we hope any of our guests will come dressed for fun.  We also expect most of our guests to be in elementary or middle school, but this should be fun for parents and university students as well.”

 

The “A Nightmare on Physics Avenue 2026” event is sponsored by the Society of Physics Students, the Hilltopper Astronomy Club, and Women in Physics.