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.

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.

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.

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

NASA’s TRACERS Studies Explosive Process in Earth’s Magnetic Shield

Wednesday, July 16, 2025
NASA’s new TRACERS (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites) mission will study magnetic reconnection, answering key questions about how it shapes the impacts of the Sun and space weather on our daily lives.

TRACERS: The milestone moments (so far)

Wednesday, July 16, 2025
With the TRACERS launch imminent, take a trip through the timeline of the university’s largest externally funded research project, which will examine the powerful interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth.

Making a model spacecraft, piece by piece

Monday, July 14, 2025
A University of Iowa engineering student built a replica of the TRACERS satellite that will study the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth.

Events

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium - Jean-François Ripoll; CEA, DAM, DIF, Arpajon, France 2 Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, LMCE, France promotional image

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium - Jean-François Ripoll; CEA, DAM, DIF, Arpajon, France 2 Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, LMCE, France

Monday, July 21, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Van Allen Hall
From the inner magnetosphere to the Van Allen's radiation beltsJean-François RipollIn this colloquium, I will discuss the dynamics of the energetic electrons trapped within the Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts through observations and computations of the whole environment in which these particles evolve, starting as wide as the Earth’s inner magnetosphere and narrowing to the finest scales of local measurements from recent satellite missions. The inner magnetosphere dynamics are presented...
Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, July 25, 2025 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Van Allen Hall
Please join the University of Iowa Physics & 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 or visit the southeast lawn.
Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, August 8, 2025 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Van Allen Hall
Please join the University of Iowa Physics & 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 or visit the southeast lawn.
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