Events

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium: Ben Margalit, UMN

Title: Cosmic Fireworks and the Physics they Reveal

Abstract: Advances in time-domain and multi-messenger astronomy provide a fresh view of the dynamic Universe and herald a new era in astrophysics. Through gravitational waves and across the electromagnetic spectrum, explosive astrophysical phenomena hold enormous potential as probes of extreme physics and cosmic scales. In this talk I will give an overview of recent developments in time-domain astronomy. Focusing on neutron star mergers as a frontier research area, I will demonstrate how transients can be harnessed to study fundamental open questions with far-reaching implications. I will conclude by briefly discussing the future of the field and the opportunities ahead.

School of Physics & Astronomy Colloquium: Michael Wilking, UMN

Title: The Search for CP Violation in Neutrinos

Abstract: The standard model of particle physics, formulated in the 1970's, was a tremendous achievement that unified 3 of the 4 known forces, was consistent with all known terrestrial phenomena, and successfully predicted the existence of the as-yet-undiscovered final pieces of the theory (top quark, tau neutrino, and the higgs boson). However, in 1998, it was discovered that neutrinos have a small, but non-zero, mass, which is not naturally predicted by the standard model. This discovery suggests very interesting new physics phenomena, particularly if Charge-Parity (CP) violation is discovered in leptons. This talk will review the status of the search for CP violation in leptons, and the plans for the next-generation Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE).

Physics Force 2024 Northrop Shows

Physics Force is back with exhilarating new shows in Jan 2024. These theater productions feature big demos—with physicists dropping from the air and lightning being controlled through science—and they never disappoint! The wonders of physics are brought to life in an educational and spectacular display. Intended for all ages, Physics Force hopes to bring the wonders of physics and science to all.

For ticketing information, please visit Northrop Auditorium's event page

University Closed: New Year's Day

Happy New Year

University Closed

Closed for Christmas holiday

University Closed

Closed for Christmas holiday

No Colloquium: Study Day

No Colloquium this week. Check back in January for more events!

Public Observing Night

Presenters: Nico Adams, Stella Christensen, Emma de Bruin, and Cristina Andrade

Observe some of the same celestial objects that have inspired the sky-gazers throughout history. Presented by knowledgeable and passionate astronomy graduate students!

8pm | Presentation | Tate Hall Room B50
8:30pm | Telescope observation, if weather permits | RM 510

Colloquium: Dr. Daniela Calzetti, UMASS Amherst

Abstract: Dust represents about 0.1% of the mass in baryons in galaxies today, yet it has a disproportionate impact on their physics and appearance. I will briefly discuss measurements of dust and dust effects in galaxies at different cosmic distances, and highlight what we understand and where the challenges and unknowns currently are. Recent observations from the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope are paving the way for answering some of the remaining questions.

FTPI Workshop: Muons in Minneapolis

Muons in Minneapolis workshop will bring together theorists and experimentalists to explore future opportunities to utilize muons in the search for new physics. In this workshop, we hope to expand on ongoing efforts to probe the muon sector, as well as discuss possible new directions. Topics covered in this workshop will include:

Sabrina Savage and Lindsay Glesener at the launch site in Alaska.

Glesener part of NASA's first solar flare observation campaign

Professor Lindsay Glesener, of the School of Physics and Astronomy is part of a research team launching a sounding rocket to study solar flares. The rocket, named Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager (

Alexander McLeod, Nitzan Hirschberg and Alyssa Bragg

Inside Professor McLeod’s Nano-Imaging Laboratory

Professor Alexander McLeod’s nano-imaging lab creates novel ways to study materials as well as looking for new physics in those materials. Nano-spectroscopy is a technique that attaches conventional

Zhen Liiu smiling man in glasses and a blue polo shirt

Liu receives prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship for early-career researchers

School of Physics and Astronomy Assistant Professor Zhen Liu is one of only 126 early-career researchers who will receive a prestigious 2024 Sloan Research Fellowship.

Coughlin and Criswell part of comprehensive UV light survey

Assistant Professor Michael Coughlin and graduate student Alexander Criswell of the School of Physics and Astronomy are part of a new NASA mission that has just been selected to conduct a

Three School Alumni elected to engineering society

Three School Alumni elected to National Academy of Engineering

Three alumni of the School of Physics and Astronomy: Martha C. Anderson (Ph.D., Astrophysics ‘93), Kei May Lau (B.A.,’76, M.S. ‘77), and Jeffrey Puschell (Ph.D., Astrophysics ‘79) have been elected

Michael Coughlin smiling man wearing glasses

Coughlin receives McKnight Professorship

School of Physics and Astronomy Assistant Professor Michael Coughlin has been awarded a 2024 McKnight Land-Grant Professorship.

Wall of Discovery shows the plot for the Humphreys-Davidson Limit, Professor Humphreys stands near it with Prof. Davidson.

Humphreys Awarded Medal from Royal Astronomical Society

Professor Emerita Roberta Humphreys of the School of Physics and Astronomy will receive the 2024 Herschel Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society for her discovery of the empirical upper luminosity

John Broadhurst, 1935 - 2023

Professor Emeritus John Broadhurst of the School of Physics and Astronomy passed away on October 17 th , 2023. He was 88 years old. John was born in England in 1935 and received all of his degrees

Burnell elected APS Fellow

Associate Professor Fiona Burnell of the School of Physics and Astronomy has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society.

Moving Target: New Faculty member does neutrino research with a twist

Professor Michael Wilking is a new faculty member in high energy physics. Wilking’s research is focused on neutrinos and he is a member of several international neutrino collaborations, including

Events

Events Calendar

School of Physics and Astronomy Graduation Ceremony and Reception

Workshop: New Insights into Quantum Materials: Scattering, Other Probes and Theory

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium: Ben Margalit, UMN

School of Physics & Astronomy Colloquium: Michael Wilking, UMN

Physics Force 2024 Northrop Shows

University Closed: New Year's Day

University Closed

University Closed

No Colloquium: Study Day

Public Observing Night

Colloquium: Dr. Daniela Calzetti, UMASS Amherst

FTPI Workshop: Muons in Minneapolis

School News

Glesener part of NASA's first solar flare observation campaign

Inside Professor McLeod’s Nano-Imaging Laboratory

Liu receives prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship for early-career researchers

Coughlin and Criswell part of comprehensive UV light survey

Three School Alumni elected to National Academy of Engineering

Coughlin receives McKnight Professorship

Humphreys Awarded Medal from Royal Astronomical Society

John Broadhurst, 1935 - 2023

Burnell elected APS Fellow

Moving Target: New Faculty member does neutrino research with a twist

School of Physics and Astronomy Seminar Calendar