Events

Nuclear & Particle Physics Seminar - Xiaojun Yao, PhD; Department of Physics, University of Washington promotional image

Nuclear & Particle Physics Seminar - Xiaojun Yao, PhD; Department of Physics, University of Washington

Monday, March 30, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm
Van Allen Hall
Nuclear & Particle Physics Seminar
Operator Theory Seminar - Professor Raúl Curto; Department of Mathematics, University of Iowa promotional image

Operator Theory Seminar - Professor Raúl Curto; Department of Mathematics, University of Iowa

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 1:30pm to 2:20pm
Van Allen Hall
Operator Theory Seminar
Mathematical Physics Seminar - Professor Palle Jorgensen; Department of Mathematics, University of Iowa promotional image

Mathematical Physics Seminar - Professor Palle Jorgensen; Department of Mathematics, University of Iowa

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 2:30pm to 3:20pm
Van Allen Hall
Mathematical Physics Seminar
Physics & Astronomy Colloquium - Xiaojun Yao, PhD; Department of Physics, University of Washington promotional image

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium - Xiaojun Yao, PhD; Department of Physics, University of Washington

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm
Van Allen Hall
Physics & Astronomy Colloquium
Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar - Jodie McLennan; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Iowa promotional image

Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar - Jodie McLennan; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Iowa

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm
Van Allen Hall
Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar
Techniques in Astrophotography - presented by Griffin Carroll; Undergraduate Student; Department of Physics and Astronomy promotional image

Techniques in Astrophotography - presented by Griffin Carroll; Undergraduate Student; Department of Physics and Astronomy

Friday, April 3, 2026 7:30pm to 8:00pm
Van Allen Hall

Please join us for the Astronomy Public Talk series, where we host short, accessible talks on a wide range of astronomy and physics-related topics—free and open to the public! This event will feature a presentation by UI Physics and Astronomy undergraduate student Griffin Carroll, who will discuss methods used to image galaxies, nebulae, and other objects in the night sky, and explain how to create highly detailed images with open-source software.

A public observing session at the Van Allen...

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, April 3, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
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 spring sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof.

Sci-Fi Flix: Fact or Fiction "The Martian"

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Seamans Center

Join us for an out-of-this-world movie experience as we screen "The Martian" (2015) and explore the science behind the story. Is surviving on Mars really possible? Could you grow potatoes in Martian soil? How accurate are the physics, engineering, and geology portrayed on screen?

Enjoy expert commentary from NASA-affiliated experts in engineering, physics and astronomy, and geology as they break down what’s fact and what’s fiction in this sci-fi classic. Bring your curiosity, questions, and love...

Lunch with a NASA Scientist: a conversation with Dr. Jim Green

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Sciences Library

Have lunch with Dr. Jim Green, retired NASA Chief Scientist and Iowa alum, as he discusses his remarkable career leading planetary missions from Pluto to Jupiter to Mars. Enjoy pizza and stories from inside NASA. Join us as he shares insights into scientific leadership, exploration, and what it takes to push the boundaries of discovery.

Co-sponsored by the Lichtenberger Engineering Library, Sciences Library, Engineering Career Services, and NEXUS.

Physics and Astronomy Thesis Defense Seminar - Philip Kopp promotional image

Physics and Astronomy Thesis Defense Seminar - Philip Kopp

Monday, April 13, 2026 9:30am
Van Allen Hall
Physics and Astronomy Thesis Defense Seminar - Philip Kopp
Physics and Astronomy Thesis Defense Seminar - David Fehr promotional image

Physics and Astronomy Thesis Defense Seminar - David Fehr

Thursday, April 16, 2026 1:30pm
Van Allen Hall
Physics and Astronomy Thesis Defense Seminar - David Fehr
Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, April 17, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
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 spring sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof.

Alumni Day 2026 promotional image

Alumni Day 2026

Saturday, April 18, 2026 (all day)
Levitt Center for University Advancement
Once a Hawkeye, Always a Hawkeye
Blooming Plants: How to Care for Plants and Greenery promotional image

Blooming Plants: How to Care for Plants and Greenery

Thursday, April 23, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Sciences Library
Join Erin Irish, associate professor in biology at the University of Iowa, and Johnson County Master Gardeners Lavon Yeggy, Angela Murphy, and Marge Jensen to learn about the basics of plant care. Free and open to all. Beginners welcomed.


Drop in for a free workshop to design and decorate your own Chia Plant Buddy after the “Blooming Plants” program!
Chia Buddies: Create Your Own Study Buddy promotional image

Chia Buddies: Create Your Own Study Buddy

Thursday, April 23, 2026 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Sciences Library
Design and decorate your own Chia Plant Buddy to take home with you! Free and open to all.



This drop-in crafting activity will immediately follow “Blooming Plants,” a workshop where local experts will talk about basic plant care.

Maker Breaks at the Sciences Library: Shrinky Dinks

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 11:30am to 1:00pm
Sciences Library

Get creative with chemical engineering by making your own shrinky dinks! Make your own design and use it to create your own bracelet or keychain.

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, May 1, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
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 spring 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, May 15, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
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 spring sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof.

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