PROGRAM:

President CHRIS introduced David Miller, Professor of Physics at Purdue, David Millerwho remaned his presentation: “Our Universe in 20 Minutes.” To better understand the subject we need high energy particle physics, the Large Hadron Collider, Hubble Telescope and Satillites. He described our universe as elegant and beautiful. Researchers observe, explore, experiment and interpret. He explained the evolution of the universe which began with a big bang and then expanded. We can see only a very small portion of the energy composition of the universe.

At the Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland, scientists make mini big bangs. In the coldest place in the universe (man made), they crash particles together. To comprehend the challenge of the effort, it is like making the ends of two human hairs collide at the speed of light. This is a global effort with 172 institutes from 40 countries working together. He is one of 2,500 physicists involved in solving the mysteries of the universe. Purdue’s contribution is building the giant camera used in the experiments.

The Higgs Boson particle identified using the collider proves that empty space is not nothing. It’s full of energy. The first observation was a eureka. “We have finally found nothing!” David showed us our universe on a coffee cup. It is a simple equation – simplicity and complexity meshed. And we are not done. The energy and matter that we cannot see fills most of the universe.

There were several questions following his most interesting presentation.


VISITING ROTARIANS:

OTIS JONES, Lawrenceville, GA; GAIL BRICKLER, Monticello; WILMA SHACKLETON, Attica/Williamsport.


GUEST:

Isobel Miller, wife of our speaker.

STUDENT GUESTS:

CHIP RUTLEDGE introduced Robin Zhang and Brad Krause from West Lafayette High School.  Each received a certificate with the Four-Way Test to commemorate meeting with us today.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELP WITH
MEETING FUNCTIONS:

Money Collectors: BRIAN METZGER and SUSAN HYCHKA; Greeter: GIL SATTERLY and VICKI BURCH; Invocation: VICKI BURCH; Piano:  RAY PEETERS; Song Leader: BOB GRIFFITHS; 50/50 Raffle: CECIL BLIGNAUT and JO WADE. Help with attendance and facilitating a smooth meeting: JO WADE and JANE SMITH.  Webmaster: LARRY HUGGINS.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
Physics does not change the nature of the world it studies, and no science of behavior can change the essential nature of man, even though both sciences yield technologies with a vast power to manipulate the subject matters. – Pope Paul VI.

JANE'S CORNER:
Highlights of the Club Board Meeting:
•    Our 2014 contract with the hotel was approved at no increase in the price for lunch. 
•    The club will be preparing for our centennial celebration, to be held in June,2016.
•    New Bylaws were accepted and will be presented to the club for approval.
•    A policy governing Speakers at Weekly Meetings was approved.
•    The Secretary’s position will no longer be an employee of the club; it was changed to independent contractor.
•    The subject of how we handle eulogies was discussed.

The February 25th meeting:  There will be a vote on amended Club Bylaws, followed by a session on Our Club's Future, presented by JIM KLUSLMAN.  The proposed amendments to the Bylaws are in response to recent changes to the Standard Rotary Club Constitution and the Recommended Rotary Club Bylaws.  The amendments have been discussed and approved by the Board of Directors.  It is recommended that members NOT bring GUESTS for this program.