The ALICE experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. Credit: CERN

Understanding the Universe Starts Here

The KU Department of Physics & Astronomy is a bridge to understanding the world, educating future physicists and astronomers, unearthing new scientific discoveries, and challenging the perception of the Universe. Through the commitment that faculty, students, and staff have to transformational education and interdisciplinary research, "Understanding the Universe Starts Here," at the KU Department of Physics & Astronomy.

Rendering of new Clyde Tombaugh Observatory

AD ASTRA — A NEW OBSERVATORY FOR KU PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

For nearly 150 years, the University of Kansas Department of Physics and Astronomy has inspired students to explore the universe while advancing discoveries that deepen our understanding of the cosmos. Now, we have an exciting opportunity to build on that legacy by creating the new Clyde Tombaugh Observatory. Your gift will help preserve an important part of KU's history while creating new opportunities for discovery, education and outreach.

Help us reach for the stars for generations to come

More about KU Physics and Astronomy

Undergraduate research in Engineering Physics

Undergraduate Program

Discover information about earning a degree in physics, astronomy, and more!
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Large Hadron Collider at CERN

Graduate Program

Information about the Graduate Program - including degrees options, resources, and more!
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Department Testimonials

A video from department faculty, students, and staff. See why they chose KU Physics & Astronomy!
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Department Newsletters

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KU Physics & Astronomy News

NASA illustration of Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

Researcher will examine galactic evolution with new ‘Roman’ space telescope

A University of Kansas researcher will co-direct one of the major debut experiments of the latest space telescope, called GRACE: the Grism Reionization and Cosmic Evolution Survey.
Sierra Seacat and her PhD Research

KU Physics Alumna Awarded Argesinger Dissertation Award

Dr. Sierra Seacat was awarded the 2025-2026 prize for the best dissertation in the area of mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering for her PhD thesis, completed in 2024 with Prof. Hartwin Peelaers.
A close up view of one exhibit case in Watson Library's Haricombe Gallery reveals items related to the development of human spaceflight.

KU Libraries opens ‘Ad Astra: A Kansas Story Written in the Stars’ exhibition

“Ad Astra: A Kansas Story Written in the Stars” is now open in Watson Library’s Haricombe Gallery, tracing Kansas’ deep roots in human spaceflight. The public is invited to a reception Sept. 10 featuring a keynote with KU alumnus and astronaut Steve Hawley, who will also sign copies of his new memoir.
Photo of ALICE experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider

New CERN measurement challenges long-standing theory of how gluons behave inside atomic nuclei

A University of Kansas physicist played a leading role in a CERN study showing that two rival explanations for how gluons behave inside atomic nuclei can now be experimentally distinguished.
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KU Physics and Astronomy Statistics

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RANKING IN US GRADUATE PROGRAMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
6
NSF CAREER AWARDS AMONG ACTIVE FACULTY
9
NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWS IN THE PAST 5 YEARS

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