Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Iowa

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!

TRACERS uses speedy electrons to trace solar energy’s path to 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...

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.

Iowa astrophysicist part of team making breakthrough white dwarf discovery 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.

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.

UI researchers analyze dynamics of Mars’ magnetotail 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...

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.

Story from Business Iowa: Iowa’s aerospace is gaining altitude Here’s how Iowa is growing its aerospace and defense industry through talent, research and investment.

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! 🎓✨

Recognition of Spring 2026 Graduates 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.

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.

Photo gallery: New spaceflight laboratory further positions UI as national space science leader 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…

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:

Hawkeye roots shape a NASA career 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.

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.

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

Thinking about majoring in Physics or Astronomy?
Our department offers majors that open doors to cutting edge research, problem solving careers, and a deeper understanding of the universe. Whether you’re fascinated by the cosmos, curious about how the physical world works, or interested in developing strong analytical and technical skills, there’s a path for you in Physics and Astronomy.
Hear directly from our students about the majors we offer in these short videos:
• Physics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEqFTctG-w8
• Astronomy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlMnIEEps8U
• Physics & Astronomy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pByUN1VFCRU
Learn what you can study, the experiences you can gain, and the exciting careers our graduates pursue. Visit our website to learn more.

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David Miles, deputy director of research operations in UI’s department of physics and astronomy and a co-investigator for the rocket launch, was tasked with building the magnetometer attached to the rocket. While Miles had seen countless rocket launches before, Norway’s launch was a first for UI graduate student Jessica Mondoskin, the lead graduate student for the magnetometer project.

UI researchers aid rocket launch in Norway After a successful rocket launch to study the northern lights in Norway, University of Iowa researchers are awaiting findings from devices they built and attached to the rocket, which measure magnetic fields and electron energy. The rocket took off from the Andøya Space Center on March 11 to study ...