Why Physics and Astronomy at WVU?
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University is dedicated
to the study of the physical world and the processes that govern it. Our faculty
train students in a wide-range of fundamental areas of classical and modern
physics through a structured program of courses, individual and group research
activities, department activities and advanced electives.
Our Research
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
GRADUATE STUDENTS
In the News
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Uncovering secrets of the sun
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KINETIC Center Journal Club: Exploring the Relationship Between Turbulence and Electron-Only Reconnection with Magnetospheric Multiscale
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Kinetic Center Journal Club presents "Suprathermal Ion Transport in Turbulent Plasmas"
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WVU astrophysicist recognized as emerging leader in research
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Kinetic Center Journal Club presents "3D PIC Simulations of Particle Acceleration in Relativistic Jets with Helical Magnetic Fields"
Events and Colloquia
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Department of Physics and Astronomy engages in an impressive array of impactful community outreach. High school students have discovered pulsars, students statewide compete in robotics competitions, and girls in middle school participate in hands-on workshops. The department has its own planetarium too!
Explore the department's community pageThe WVU Planetarium presents free public shows on alternating Friday evenings. The shows provide a glimpse into the night sky, highlighting the wonders of the universe, its origins and our place among the cosmos. The observatory is located atop the physics department and is equipped with a 14-inch Celestron telescope for public viewing in concert with the planetarium shows.
Visit the Planetarium
