Fall Term 2025: Week 8

This week marks the Daylight Saving Time transition — the “good one,” when we gain an extra hour of sleep. The science behind Daylight Saving Time (DST) lies in Earth’s 23.4-degree axial tilt, which creates seasonal variations in day length. By shifting the clock to “borrow” an hour of daylight in the morning or evening, DST aims to better align daylight hours with human activity.

A common misconception is that DST was introduced to give farmers more daylight for fieldwork. In fact, it was first implemented in 1918 as an energy conservation measure during World War I. Farmers were among its strongest opponents, and the policy was repealed twice before being permanently established in 1966.

However, public sentiment may be shifting once again. A growing body of research shows that the time change can harm our health — contributing to higher rates of depression, heart attack, stroke and obesity, inflammatory markers, car accidents, and reduced academic performance.

Several bills have proposed making Standard Time permanent, but none have yet passed Congress. Until that changes, it’s wise to prepare for the transition by prioritizing good sleep and getting plenty of sunlight as your body and mind adjust to the shift in daylight.

-The WISP Team

Supermoon Party!

Tuesday, November 4, 6-7:00PM

Wilder Atrium (Wilder 300)

Cohosted by WISP, Physics & Astronomy, and the Physics & Astronomy Society, we welcome you to meet with physics majors and faculty, WISP alumnae, and other undergraduates who are exploring their place in these disciplines. We’ll also use the department’s small telescopes to view the full moon!

Dartmouth’s Physics & Astronomy community is a welcoming, vibrant group of scholars. If you’re at all considering a major, research, or coursework in these fields, come out and introduce yourself. They would love to meet you and talk about their work and your interests.

Cosmic Discovery in the Bursting Radio Sky

Wednesday, November 5, 7:00-8:00PM

Wilder 104 and Zoom

If you enjoy the Supermoon Party, consider coming out for the Physics & Astronomy Department’s annual lecture! This year’s speaker is Victoria Kaspi, a professor of physics at McGill University and a titan in astrophysics. Her research has profoundly shaped our understanding of neutron stars and Fast Radio Bursts. This is not a lecture to miss if you are interested in the field of astrophysics.

If you are joining in person, arrive by 6:45PM to mingle and enjoy some light refreshments.

For those joining virtually, please use this Zoom webinar link.

First Generation Student Celebration Week

Wednesday, November 5, 9:00AM-5:00PM

001 Lower McNutt Hall

It’s First Gen Week! Join the Dartmouth Center for Career Design (DCCD) for a kick-off event at the Career Design Lab in the basement of McNutt any time from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM for giveaways, including dessert and snacks. From 12:00-2:00 PM there will be concentrated career workshops featuring quick sessions, prizes, and fun crafts like button-making. This event is co-hosted by the First-Generation Office and the DCCD. All are welcome!

Seeing the World Clearly: Alumni Shaping the Future of Global Eye Health

Wednesday, November 5, 5-6:00PM

Haldeman 041

Pre-health and biology students may be interested in joining the Dickey Center for a warm and engaging conversation with three incredible Dartmouth ophthalmologists, Sara Wester '98, Nikhil Batra MED'09, and Erin Salcone MED'05. These alumni have made careers in the field of global eye health and will share their personal stories and experiences, diving into the challenges and rewards of working in international vision care.

Free and open to the public, tickets required, reserve yours here.

Get It Done!

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30AM-12:00PM

Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00PM

Berry 178

Did you know that our friends at the Academic Skills Center host 90-minute intensive work sessions four times a week? Maybe your study space can get a little noisy, or maybe you hear the siren song of TikTok while you’re trying to finish that paper. Join the ASC for a timed, distraction-free session with a brief interlude for mindfulness and mingling. Members of the ASC are available for support and helping you stay undisturbed and accountable during your session.

Consider taking advantage of these offerings, especially as we head into finals season!