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.

Study here

Build a foundation

Expand your horizons

Learn from experts

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.

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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.

Research at Iowa

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.

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students in reserach lab

24

Full-time Faculty
Physics and Astronomy reserach lab

Very High

Research 1: Doctoral Universities
Research Activity

Carnegie Classification

120 +

Undergraduate physics and astronomy majors

2023-24 data

Physics and Astronomy reserach lab

70 +

Graduate students

2023-24 data

student with faculty discussions

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.

News and announcements

Iowa physicists describe ‘super expansion’ magnetic cloud from the sun

Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Researchers in the Department have discovered that a magnetic cloud from a solar eruption expanded much more rapidly than expected as it traveled toward Earth. Their findings could help scientists better predict space weather and understand how solar storms may impact satellites, navigation systems, and power grids.

CLAS physics and astronomy researcher uncovers surprising behavior in solar storms

Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Shirsh Lata Soni, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa, led the team that pieced the event together. Soni studies solar outbursts and saw the lineup as a rare gift.

Solar storm stunned scientists by swelling far faster than expected

Tuesday, June 30, 2026
A new study led by University of Iowa Physics & Astronomy researcher Shirsh Lata Soni found that a solar storm in 2021 expanded much faster than scientists expected as it traveled toward Earth. Using rare observations from two spacecraft aligned along the Sun-Earth path, the team discovered the storm grew about 21% in size and became significantly hotter over a short distance, challenging existing models and highlighting the need for improved space weather forecasting. 
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Events

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, July 17, 2026 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Van Allen Hall

Please join the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy department as we use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the summer sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof.

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, August 7, 2026 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Van Allen Hall

Please join the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy department as we use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the summer sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof.

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, August 21, 2026 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Van Allen Hall

Please join the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy department as we use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the summer sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof.

View more events