Physics and Astronomy Department

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Come join a continuum of theory and experimentation that stretches back for centuries.

在圣玛丽, we’re devoted to training the next generation of groundbreaking physicists and astronomers. 在我们多样化的, tight-knit community, you’ll sharpen both your analytic and computational abilities to observe and interpret physical phenomena, while also employing the scientific method to understand and describe nature in its most elementary form

You’ll have numerous opportunities to make discoveries alongside our world-renowned faculty or while studying abroad during Jan Term. Our students have helped research everything from the formation of stars to the mystery of cosmic voids. With Saint Mary’s small class sizes, student-centered laboratory activities for introductory courses, and discussion-driven courses, you’ll receive plenty of personalized attention as you pursue your unique interests and aspirations.

Picture of the Whirlpool Galaxy in space

Whirlpool Galaxy - June 27, 2024

图像s from the Geissberger Observatory are taken with a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) camera attached to a 望远镜.  The CCD converts incoming light (photons) to an electrical signal (electrons) and those signals are read by computer and converted back to visual images that we can see. The CCD camera can detect light in the visible and infrared portions of the spectrum. 请查看 月亮, a 星域 highlighting a star that may go nova soon and a 哑铃星云!

Student Jared Ralleta '24 in the desert, where he was working as part of a NASA project

Jared Ralleta '24 Built A Tool Astronauts Can Use On The 月亮, Mars, and Beyond

A first-gen college student, Ralleta was the sole undergrad researcher at RISE2, a NASA-funded expedition in the New Mexico desert that tests out tech for future space exploration. “I could only have had this opportunity at Saint Mary’s,” he says.

2 physics students conducting an experiment in lab class

奖学金

In addition to need and merit-based scholarships, Physics & Astronomy students are eligible for the departmental scholarship.

 

 


有兴趣 K-12 STEM老师? 

Saint Mary's undergraduate students are eligible to apply for Noyce 奖学金. 

Learn more and apply today.


 

Students standing at Observatory

Summer Research Program

每年夏天, Saint Mary’s students have the opportunity to gain hands-on scientific research experience—and get paid for it. In 2021, Physics and Astronomy students partnered with Professor Aaron Lee and his colleagues at the University of Texas at Austin to explore the birth of stars, using the largest supercomputers in the world.

Physics and Astronomy in Action

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图书馆学生

Professor Aaron Lee’s Recent Discussion of the James Web Tele范围

You’ve no doubt caught a glimpse of the stunning first images from NASA's James Webb Space Tele范围, providing us all with the truest glimpses of the universe yet. But what are we even looking at? What does it all mean?

让Aaron Lee, 博士学位, professor of Physics and Astronomy, be your guide as he compares side-by-side images and walks us through the detailed imaging of a dying star.

Student Engagement Opportunities

Discover the Science Living Learning Community, our on-campus housing exclusively for first-year STEM majors. Or learn about the Pathways to Science Speaker Series, which regularly bring successful, diverse scientists to campus, 和STEM中心, our drop-in tutoring center that supports students in STEM courses—no appointments necessary!

looking up at building

SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT INFORMATION