Physics & Astronomy
Explore the Wonders of the Universe
Welcome to the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware, where the pursuit of scientific discovery and innovation meets cutting-edge research and academic excellence. Our department is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of scholars, educators, and students who are passionate about unraveling the mysteries of the universe and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. From the intricacies of subatomic particles to the vast expanse of the cosmos, our faculty and students are engaged in groundbreaking research that addresses some of the most pressing questions in modern physics and astronomy.
Why Physics and Astronomy at UD?
- Research Opportunities: The department is renowned for its research in experimental condensed matter physics and atomic, molecular, and optical physics.
- Faculty Composition: The Department of Physics and Astronomy has over 30 full-time faculty members with diverse research interests, contributing to a robust academic environment.
- Community Impact: The department's research activities include high-altitude balloon flights, cosmic ray observatories, and gamma-ray telescopes, contributing to global scientific knowledge and community engagement.
100%
of physics and astronomy graduates are employed or pursuing further education.
Top 3%
UD is a Tier-1 research university and is ranked in the top 3% of US universities for research activity.
Top 85
UD has 80 research centers and has consistently been in the top 85 (out of 633) institutions for R&D expenditures from the DOD, DOE, NASA, NSF, and USDA.
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Efficient, sustainable next-generation AI
October 29, 2024 | Written by Beth MillerUD’s Jungfleisch wins NSF CAREER Award for brain-inspired tech -
It won’t be an aurora encore for Philly this weekend, but a rare comet will be visible
October 11, 2024 | Written by Anthony R. Wood of The Philadelphia InquirerBennett A. Maruca, professor of physics and astronomy, said another aurora light show could take place in the near future. “The sun remains very active — we’re only about halfway through solar maximum — so there are plenty more opportunities for additional storms,” he said. -
Drawn to stellar mysteries
October 09, 2024 | Written by Beth MillerThe magnetism of “Be” stars expands research plans for UD’s Catalan Olais
Upcoming Events
Research Feature
Data From the Cosmos
In the summer of 2021, data gathered by the world’s largest observatory, IceCube, provided a group of 16 undergraduate and graduate students from UD and five other institutions with the opportunity to contribute to research on neutrinos, high-energy subatomic particles that speed through space.