Next Sunday, 11 December, the University of Cambridge Physics Department is opening its doors to the Cambridgeshire public, as well as some unusual visitors from outer space.

With the aim of making physics fun and accessible, the Physics Open Day promises plenty of hands-on demonstrations and things to watch and build for all ages. It is being run by the Institute of Physics and held at the University’s Cavendish Laboratory on Madingley Road between 2 and 5pm (map at www.phy.cam.ac.uk). Parking is available.

The climax of the day will be a ‘Call My Bluff’ science quiz. The panel will contain the walking, talking Albert Einstein (the official Einstein actor). He will face the formidable talents of the Daleks, physicists from Cambridge, as well as Davros, the evil creator of the Daleks. The battle promises to be intense. Who will win? (And did you know that some Daleks are voiced by women?)

Children from as young as age four can join in the day, but there will be plenty to thrill older children and adults. Entrance is free, thanks to funding by the Institute of Physics, East Anglia branch.

Visitors will be able to:

• Exchange greetings with the Daleks, Davros, Cybermen, K9 and other Dr Who characters (who are donating their fees to Children in Need)

• Build a JumboScope (super magnifier) out of cardboard and plastic lenses

• Decode secret messages invisible to the human eye

• See the stars in Europe’s largest inflatable planetarium

• See experiments presented by CHaOS (Cambridge Hands on Science)

• Step into the 'Lab in a Lorry' and see experiments such as glass being broken by sound

• Meet Albert Einstein

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