TRACERS mission launch viewing
Join the Department of Physics and Astronomy for a live viewing event celebrating the launch of NASA’s TRACERS mission.
The live viewing event has been postponed until Wednesday, July 23 in Lecture Room One, Van Allen Hall, from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Why Iowa?
Home of James Van Allen, the “Father of Space Science" and one of the Top Fifth Global Universities in Physics according to U.S. News and World Report.
See yourself here
Whether you're interested in space and plasma physics, astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter and optics, or nuclear and particle physics, Iowa will develop your analytical, computational, and experimental skills to advance scientific knowledge of the universe around us.
Research
Whether you’re passionate about space physics, quantum mechanics, or the intersections of physics and engineering, you’ll collaborate with expert faculty and cutting-edge labs. You’ll have access to hands-on research experiences, from working on space missions to contributing to particle physics discoveries. These opportunities allow you to expand your knowledge while making tangible contributions to the scientific community.
Top Fifth
of Global Universities in Physics
U.S. News and World Report 2022
$ 26 m
In annual research expenditures
Averaged over FY18-22
Write your story
Build on the legacy of space pioneer Dr. James Van Allen by getting involved with our faculty’s cutting-edge space physics research with NASA and the NSF, even as an undergrad.
24
Full-time Faculty
Very High
Research 1: Doctoral Universities
Research Activity
Carnegie Classification
120 +
Undergraduate physics and astronomy majors
2023-24 data
70 +
Graduate students
2023-24 data
Explore physics at Iowa
James Van Allen
Engage in our rich history by learning about the "Father of Space Science"
Outreach and engagement
Outreach and public engagement are essential to sharing our research with the general public, by interacting and listening in order to generate mutual benefit.
Earn your Natural Sciences requirement
Learn more about how our programs can satisfy the General Education CLAS Core requirement in Natural Sciences.