Explore the Mysteries of Star Birth at RIKEN DAY Event
Nagoya City Science Museum hosts RIKEN DAY on April 18, 2026. Dr. Minami Sakai discusses star birth and cosmic chemistry. On-site and online participation available.
Unraveling the Secrets of Stellar Birth and Cosmic Chemistry
Nagoya City Science Museum will host a special talk event, "RIKEN DAY: Let's Talk with Researchers! 'Star Birth Through the Eyes of Chemistry'" on April 18, 2026.
This event delves into the fascinating processes of how stars are born and die. The atoms synthesized within stars are dispersed into the universe upon their death, forming the building blocks for new stars. Furthermore, a phenomenon called "chemical evolution" occurs, where atoms combine to form molecules, eventually leading to the complex organic molecules essential for life. The discovery of amino acids and even nucleic acid bases (components of DNA and RNA) in samples from the asteroid Ryugu suggests that such molecules can form naturally in space, independent of life itself, though the precise mechanisms and locations remain largely unknown.
Dr. Minami Sakai, Chief Scientist at the RIKEN Center for Pioneering Research, will present the latest research findings, offering an accessible explanation of star formation and cosmic chemical evolution. Join us to explore the forefront of research tackling the universe's mysteries through observation, experimentation, and computation.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
- Venue: Nagoya City Science Museum, Life Science Center, 6F, 2nd Laboratory (On-site participation) / Live streaming via Zoom (no pre-registration required for streaming)
- Eligibility: Junior high school students and above for on-site participation; all ages welcome for live streaming.
- Fee: Free (On-site participants high school age and above require museum admission fee)
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- How to Apply: On-site participation requires application via a dedicated form; live streaming is accessible via Zoom.
Access Information:
- Venue: Nagoya City Science Museum (2-17-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi)
- Nearest Stations: JR Nagoya Station / Subway Sakae Station (approx. 5-minute walk)