UNK Physics and Astronomy

08/25/2026

That's right, Astro Friday is BACK for Fall 2026!

Reminders:
- Weather permitting, there will be UNK Astronomy Club Telescope Observing outside of Bruner Hall on all Astro Friday evenings!
- Free tickets guarantee seating; tickets go live on https://events.ticketleap.com/events/unk-planetarium at 8:00 AM one week prior to each show
- If you can't get a ticket, walk-ins are welcome if there is space (and there often is!)
- Questions about the Planetarium? Check out our page at: https://www.unk.edu/academics/physics/unk-planetarium/index.php

06/29/2026

05/05/2026

🌟 This Summer, Turn Curiosity Into Discovery! 🌟
Are you a high school student who loves asking how and why—or do you know one who’s curious about everything?
The 2026 QUASAR Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into science, space, and real world research—all while having fun on campus with fellow STEM minded students!
At QUASAR, students will:
🚀 Build and test solutions through hands on engineering challenges
🔭 Uncover the physics and astronomy behind our universe
🧠 Strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills
🤝 Connect with peers who share a passion for science and innovation
🌌 Explore future careers in STEM, from engineering to NASA and beyond
Camp Details:
📅 June 23–25, 2026
🏫 Overnight on campus
🎓 For high school sophomores, juniors, & seniors
💲 $100 registration fee
⏰ Registration closes June 5, 2026
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more and sign up!
✨ Space is limited—don’t miss your launch opportunity. Tag or share with a future scientist you know! 🚀

04/16/2026

Thank you Dr. Trantham for hosting some of Ms. Arp's Chemistry students last week! Student got an opportunity to experience some physics lessons Dr. Trantham uses in his college physics courses. Students also toured the campus and experienced college dining!

04/13/2026

THIS WEDNESDAY

6:00pm at the Merryman Performing Arts Center

The Department of Physics and Astronomy and the UNK Astronomy Club invite you to a special lecture as part of the American Astronomical Society’s Harlow Shapley Visiting Lecture Series.

We are excited to host a former NASA research scientist, Dr. David Leisawitz, who will present:
“Reaching for the Stars: My STEM Journey to NASA and How You Might Continue the Journey”
Followed by a short Q&A.

Dr. Leisawitz, former Associate Chief of the Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, will share insights from his career and offer perspective on pathways into STEM fields.

This event is free, no registration required, and open to the public (and will also be available via livestream)! Weather permitting, the UNK Astronomy Club will host a telescope observing event outside Bruner Hall @ 9:00pm. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring evening!

Livestream link: https://unk.zoom.us/j/95012984733

04/09/2026

🚀✨ Calling Future Scientists & Engineers! ✨🚀
High school students who love science, space, and problem solving are invited to join us for the 2026 Quest for Understanding Astronomy, Science, and Research (QUASAR) Summer Camp!
During this fun, interactive camp, students will:
🔧 Take part in hands-on engineering challenges
🌌 Explore physics and astronomy concepts that shape our universe
🤝 Meet like minded peers who share a passion for STEM
🚀 Learn about exciting career paths—from engineering to NASA and beyond!

Camp Information:
📅 June 23–25, 2026 | 🏫 Overnight on campus
For: High school sophomores, juniors, & seniors,
Cost: $100
Registration closes June 8, 2026
Scan the QR code on the flyer for more information and to register!
Spots are limited—share this post with a future scientist or engineer you know!

04/01/2026

Two weeks from today!

Wednesday, April 15th, 6:00pm at the Merryman Performing Arts Center

The Department of Physics and Astronomy and the UNK Astronomy Club invite you to a special lecture as part of the American Astronomical Society’s Harlow Shapley Visiting Lecture Series.

We are excited to host a former NASA research scientist, Dr. David Leisawitz, who will present:
“Reaching for the Stars: My STEM Journey to NASA and How You Might Continue the Journey”
Followed by a short Q&A.

Dr. Leisawitz, former Associate Chief of the Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, will share insights from his career and offer perspective on pathways into STEM fields.

This event is free, no registration required, and open to the public (and will also be available via livestream)! Weather permitting, the UNK Astronomy Club will host a telescope observing event outside Bruner Hall @ 9:00pm. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring evening!