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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_800x420.jpg "UD Campus Beauty Shot showing Memorial Hall with blue skies and students out an about on the green")
Top ranked graduate programs
April 08, 2026 | Written by CAS Communication StaffU.S. News & World Report list includes CAS degrees -
Spark! Symposium showcases four big questions driving graduate research at UD
April 06, 2026 | Written by Lisa WalenceusThe spring 2026 University of Delaware Graduate College Spark! Symposium, themed “New Frontiers: Discoveries Across Health, Society and the Galaxy,” highlighted four graduate students whose research offers insights with the potential to drive meaningful change. -
The hidden forces behind winter sports
February 12, 2026 | Written by Hilary DouwesUD professor explains how Olympic athletes optimize physics to reach peak performance -
Star power
January 20, 2026 | Written by Tracey BryantPhysics graduate student helps lead global effort to reveal universe’s hidden wonders -
Making the invisible visible
January 07, 2026 | Written by Hilary DouwesCosmicWatch is a portable, low-cost muon detector invented by University of Delaware physics professor Spencer Axani for cosmic-ray research in classrooms.
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Research Feature
Making the invisible visible
An invention by University of Delaware physics professor Spencer Axani called CosmicWatch is putting the science of muons in the palm of experienced scientists and high school students alike.
CosmicWatch detector makes invisible space particles visible: youtube.com/watch?v=HeaMo__873Y
