Department of Physics and Astronomy

Cathedral of Learning at sunset with a flying saucer to the right
As the U.S. government prepares to share an unclassified report on “unidentified aerial phenomena,” we asked Pitt experts to weigh in on the science, politics and psychology of aliens and extraterrestrial spacecraft.
Logan Rice in a blue and brown shirt on a brown background
Logan Rice will conduct experiments in high-energy physics through a U.S. Department of Energy program.
A student with blue-green and black hair uses lab equipment
Simply acknowledging that college is challenging during introductory science courses has helped to close racial and gender achievement gaps. The intervention, begun in a Pitt biology course, is being adopted at universities around the country.
Hrvoje Petek in a black suit and white shirt
Hrvoje Petek, R. K. Mellon Professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Physics and Astronomy ...
A night sky with stars visible
Tonight through Dec. 14, Pittsburghers will have a chance to see the geminid meteor shower. Astronomy’s Sandhya Rao offers her tips for viewing.
Arthur Kosowsky in a blue checkered shirt
A multinational team including Professor Arthur Kosowsky, graduate student Yilun Guan and alum Simone Aiola from the Department of Physics and Astronomy is making progress toward solving mysteries of the universe.