Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Iowa

08/06/2026

The Department of Physics and Astronomy recently hosted six Iowa high school physics teachers for the annual QuarkNet Professional Development Program. During the two-day workshop, educators worked alongside University of Iowa physicists and STEM leaders to explore particle physics research, analyze real scientific data, and develop engaging classroom activities. Through QuarkNet, teachers gain firsthand research experience and valuable connections that help bring cutting-edge science to students across Iowa, inspiring the next generation of STEM innovators.

https://physics.uiowa.edu/news/2026/08/university-iowa-hosts-quarknet-professional-development-program-iowa-physics-teachers

07/28/2026

06/22/2026

University of Iowa researchers, using NASA’s TRACERS mission, are tracking fast-moving electrons to better understand how solar energy travels to and interacts with Earth’s magnetic field.

Their findings offer an exciting step forward in understanding space weather and its potential effects on our daily lives.

Read more about how this groundbreaking research is helping us better predict solar impacts on Earth!

A University of Iowa-led research team has documented how energy from the sun interacts with Earth’s magnetic field and moves closer to our planet, using detailed electron measurements. The study marks the first published results from TRACERS, the approximately $170 million NASA-funded mission and...

06/18/2026

Assistant Professor Dustin Swarm is part of a team that used a NASA telescope to capture a first-of-its-kind look at how white dwarfs interact with matter from nearby stars. This breakthrough could help scientists better understand stellar explosions and extreme environments in space.

A U of Iowa astrophysicist helped make a first-of-its-kind discovery that gives scientists an unprecedented look at the environment surrounding a white dwarf star.

06/04/2026

New research from the University of Iowa is shedding light on Mars’ mysterious magnetotail. The study suggests that magnetic reconnection, previously linked to Earth, may also drive many of the red planet’s magnetic “flapping” events, while solar wind interactions could play a direct role. Discover what this means for our understanding of Mars and beyond—read more at the link below.

University of Iowa physicists have identified a possible driving force behind massive disturbances in the magnetic environment of Mars. Yuanzheng Wen In a new study, the researchers analyzed the constituents of Mars’ magnetotail — magnetic plume that extends outward from the planet for more than...

06/02/2026

Iowa is taking off in aerospace innovation!

A recent USA Today article highlights how partnerships across the state are fueling growth, and how the University of Iowa’s Department of Physics & Astronomy is contributing through programs like the Iowa Spaceflight Laboratory.

Read more about Iowa’s growing impact in aerospace below.

Here’s how Iowa is growing its aerospace and defense industry through talent, research and investment.

05/22/2026

We’re proud to celebrate our Department of Physics and Astronomy students who graduated during the University of Iowa’s Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies, May 14–16! 🎓✨

Several Department of Physics and Astronomy students were among the University of Iowa degree candidates participating in the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies held May 14-16.

05/18/2026

The University of Iowa has unveiled a new $7.2 million Iowa Spaceflight Laboratory in Van Allen Hall, providing cutting-edge facilities for designing, building, and testing instruments for future space missions. The lab builds on the department’s leadership in projects like NASA’s TRACERS mission and strengthens its ability to conduct high-impact research efficiently and competitively. Explore the article and photo gallery to see how this new space advances opportunities for faculty, students, and collaborators.

Breadcrumb Home News Photo gallery: New spaceflight laboratory further positions UI as national space science leader Monday, May 18, 2026 https://now.uiowa.edu/news/2026/05/photo-gallery-new-spaceflight-laboratory-fur…

05/15/2026

From Van Allen Hall to NASA’s chief scientist Jim Green’s journey started at Iowa, where key mentors and hands-on experiences set his course for the stars.
Read how Physics & Astronomy helped launch his path:

Before leading some of NASA’s most ambitious missions, Jim Green found his trajectory at the University of Iowa — where a series of “gravity assists” set him on a path to the stars.

04/30/2026

The Department of Physics and Astronomy recognized the achievements of students, faculty, and staff during its annual Awards Colloquium on April 28, 2026.

The event honored graduating seniors and advanced degree recipients from the 2025-2026 academic year. A complete list of honorees is available in the program, and photos from the event can be viewed in the image gallery.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy celebrated the accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff during the 2026 Awards Colloquium on April 28.