News & Events
Events Calendar
Physics & Astronomy Colloquium: Chris Quigg, Fermilab
Thursday, March 14, 2024, 3:35 p.m. through Thursday, March 14, 2024, 4:35 p.m.
Tate B50
Abstract: In the summer of 1918, Emmy Noether published the theorem that now bears her name, establishing a profound two-way connection between symmetries and conservation laws. The influence of this insight is pervasive in physics; it underlies all of our theories of the fundamental interactions and gives meaning to conservation laws that elevates them beyond useful empirical rules. Noether’s papers, lectures, and personal interactions with students and colleagues drove the development of abstract algebra, establishing her in the pantheon of twentieth-century mathematicians. This talk traces her path from Erlangen through Göttingen to a brief but happy exile at Bryn Mawr College, illustrating the importance of “Noether’s Theorem” for the way we think today.
Public Observing Night
Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, 8 p.m. through Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, 9 p.m.
Tate Hall 510
Free and open to the public
MIFA Colloquium: Hayley Roberts, UMN Zooniverse Group
Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, 2:30 p.m. through Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, 3:30 p.m.
301-20 Tate
Mergers play a significant role in the evolution of galaxies due to the profound impact on several key properties, including their physical structure, black hole growth, and star formation rates. Current methods for identifying and cataloging galaxy mergers predominantly rely on sensitive, high-resolution imaging and suffer from high misclassification rates - issues that are severely exacerbated outside the local universe. Next-generation telescopes from optical to radio, however, are now enabling novel approaches to find galaxy mergers. I will present methods for identifying major mergers in neutral hydrogen (HI) surveys using OH megamasers (OHMs). OHMs are luminous masers found in ultraluminous infrared galaxies and are signposts of major gas-rich mergers. HI surveys on next-generation radio telescopes, such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and its precursors, will detect unprecedented numbers of OHMs out to redshift z~2, as exemplified through multiple recent discoveries. At shorter wavelengths, I will discuss how JWST is already revolutionizing our understanding of galaxy mergers and helping us prepare for future surveys from the Rubin Observatory and Roman Space Telescope with the help of citizen scientists.
Physics & Astronomy Colloquium: Ben Margalit, UMN
Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 3:35 p.m. through Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 4:35 p.m.
Tate B50
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
Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, 3:35 p.m. through Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, 4:35 p.m.
Tate B50
Physics Force 2024 Northrop Shows
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, 11 a.m. through Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, 3 p.m.
Northrop Auditorium
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
Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, 8 a.m. through Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, 8 a.m.
University of Minnesota
Happy New Year
University Closed
Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, 8 a.m. through Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, 8 a.m.
University of Minnesota
Closed for Christmas holiday
University Closed
Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, 8 a.m. through Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, 8 a.m.
University of Minnesota
Closed for Christmas holiday
No Colloquium: Study Day
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, 3:35 p.m. through Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, 4:35 p.m.
B50 Tate
No Colloquium this week. Check back in January for more events!