Welcome to Western’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, where we passionately pursue knowledge about the fundamental laws that govern the Universe and all that it contains. Our interdisciplinary research investigates how matter, forces, and energy interact and shape objects and environments, from our own direct surroundings here on Earth to the event horizon of black holes in the distant reaches of the Universe. We are as curious about the practical applications of physics to medicine and the environment as the fascinating physics behind the largest structures in the cosmos!
We bring that passion and curiosity into our student experience. Our students are an essential part of our community, and often key contributors to our research. We are dedicated to helping students and young investigators discover their potential by giving them guidance and support to become better scientists, community members, and people. We are excited to work with you at all stages of your career, to help develop your interests and achieve your goals.
News
Space as a National Asset for Canada Conference
By
Western Institute for Earth and Space Exploration ,SNAC 2022 , November 02, 2022
Western Space will be hosting Space as a National Asset for Canada 2022 to bring together the space community in universities, industry, and government, explore the current and future value of space technologies for Earth applications, and discuss Canadian ambitions for space. Topics will include exploration science and technologies, Earth observations for climate change and food security, policy and law, space resources, space debris, and more.
Canadian climate tech built with Western expertise to be part of joint mission with NASA
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , October 20, 2022
Western Physics and Astronomy researchers Bob Sica and Sarah Gallagher discuss their research with the Canadian Space Agency's High-altitude Aerosols, Water vapour and Clouds (HAWC) mission, and collaboration with NASA’s Atmosphere Observing System (AOS) mission.
Mystery fireball that lit up sky and baffled scientists finally explained
By
Ed Browne ,Newsweek , October 19, 2022
Research from physics and astronomy postdoctoral scholar Denis Vida has shown that a mysterious space rock that lit up the skies over parts of Canada last year wasn't a comet, despite coming from a distant part of the solar system where comets are thought to originate.
'X-ray specs': Canadian scientists starry-eyed over James Webb space telescope
By
Bob Weber ,The Canadian Press , October 19, 2022
Canadian scientists, including physics and astronomy professor Els Peeters, are using spectacular images from the James Webb Space telescope to look at young stars in the constellation Orion and understand their influence on the interstellar material around them.
Professor Emeritus M.G. Cottam publishes two books
October 11, 2022
Congratulations to Professor Emeritus M.G. Cottam for the recent publication of two books: Many-Body Theory of Condensed Matter Systems (Michael G. Cottam and Zahra Haghshenasfard, Cambridge University Press, 2020) and Dynamical Properties in Nanostructured and Low-Dimensional Materials (Michael G. Cottam, Institute of Physics Publishing, 2nd edition, 2022)
How and why NASA crashed its DART spacecraft into asteroid
Global National , September 30, 2022
Physics and astronomy professor Paul Wiegert weighs in on the success of the first test of NASA's DART mission, which successfully crashed a spacecraft into an asteroid this week with the aim of changing the space rock's trajectory.
New Website - Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory
September 28, 2022
The Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory has launched a new website! For information on the observatory, as well as its programs and events, please visit: https://cronyn.uwo.ca/
In Memoriam: David Gray
September 14, 2022
We are sad to share the recent passing of Professor Emeritus David Gray of Western's Physics and Astronomy Department. David passed away on August 15, 2022. A service will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022.
Western researchers among first to capture James Webb Space Telescope images
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , September 12, 2022
Dr. Els Peeters of Western's Physics and Astronomy department discusses new images of the Orion Nebula, obtained by the James Webb Space Telescope as part of the Early Release Science program Photodissociation Regions for All, on which she is a co-lead.
NASA unveils James Webb Space Telescope’s first set of colour images
By
Ivan Semeniuk ,The Globe and Mail , July 15, 2022
Sarah Gallagher, a professor of astronomy at Western University in London, Ont., and science adviser to the Canadian Space Agency, said she was particularly struck by Webb’s view of Stephan’s Quintet, which she has studied.
Western Space team uses NASA data to decipher clouds of sand on distant planets
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , July 08, 2022
A new study led by Western University researchers Stanimir Metchev and Genaro Suárez provides critical information on sand clouds observed in distant planets and helps affirm a larger theory of how planetary atmospheres work.
Physics & Astronomy Chair Announcement
June 22, 2022
Professor Pauline Barmby's five-year term as Department Chair commences on July 1, 2022
Peacock Medal to Dr. Roberta L. Flemming
April 22, 2022
The Peacock Medal is the highest award bestowed by the Mineralogical Association of Canada and recognizes the long-term research efforts and contributions of an individual to the Earth sciences within the Canadian context. This medal is awarded to a scientist who has made outstanding contributions to the mineral sciences in Canada.
Western Physics and Astronomy in the IEEE Canadian Review, Spring 2022
By
Daryoush Shiri ,IEEE Canadian Review , April 20, 2022
Historical and present day research by Drs. Misener and Peeters in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western University are discussed in the Spring 2022 issue of the IEEE Canadian Review.
Bright fireball event near Lake Simcoe expected to have dropped meteorites
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western Media Relations , April 18, 2022
Western University's all-sky camera network observed a bright fireball at 11:37pm on Sunday, April 17, 2022. Analysis of the video data suggests that fragments of the meteor are likely to have made it to the ground near the eastern shore of Lake Simcoe, just north of the town of Argyle.
See How the Tonga Volcano Unleashed a Once-in-a-Century Shockwave.
By
Aatish Bhatia and Henry Fountain ,The New York Times , April 14, 2022
“It’s super spectacular,” Peter W. Brown, a physicist at the University of Western Ontario, said of the shockwave, which travelled around the world several times at the speed of sound. “Everybody who studies atmospheric waves are all quite, I would say, awestruck.”
Three Western researchers named Distinguished University Professors
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , March 17, 2022
Dr. Pauline Barmby is one of three researchers who will be named Distinguished University Professors next month; an award that recognizes careers of excellence in teaching, research, and leadership.
Neuroscientist partners with law firm for concussion research
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , March 17, 2022
Western physicist-turned-neuroscientist Andrea Soddu has developed unique brain-imaging software that is helping a London, Ont., law firm strengthen the case for better support for clients with concussions.
Small asteroid hits Earth just hours after astronomers detect it
By
Will Gater ,New Scientist , March 15, 2022A space rock that exploded in the atmosphere near Iceland was only the fifth asteroid that has been observed before an impact with Earth
James Webb Space Telescope set to launch on December 22
CBC Radio , December 17, 2021
The largest telescope ever built is set to launch on December 22 following nearly 2 decades of development.
Woman rocked awake by meteorite chunk crashing into her bedroom
CBC News , October 12, 2021
Physics and Astronomy professor Peter Brown confirms rock, which fell through the ceiling and landed on a pillow next to Ruth Hamilton in her home in Golden, BC, was indeed a meteorite.
Sarah Gallagher takes helm at Western Space
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , October 06, 2021
New director shares vision for interdisciplinary space research collaboration
White Dwarfs Become Magnetic As They Get Older!
September 24, 2021
An international team of astronomers from Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland and the University of Western Ontario in Canada published a paper today in the Monthy Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society sharing new insights into the origin and evolution of the magnetic field of white dwarfs.
Publication of "Essential Astrophysics Interstellar Medium to Stellar Remnants" by professor Shantanu Basu
September 20, 2021
This highly accessible story of the observed contents of our Galaxy includes intuitive explanations, informative diagrams, and basic equations, as needed. It is an ideal guide for undergraduates with some physics and mathematics background who are studying astronomy and astrophysics. It is also accessible to interested laypeople, thanks to its limited equations.
Nuclear waste-storage research gets $3.3M grant
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , August 17, 2021
Western researchers Jamie Noel, Lyudmila Goncharova and Des Moser awarded $3.3-million research grant for work to safeguard storage of used nuclear fuel.
Canadian-made space telescope to search for distant planets, explore ‘origins of life’
By
Raquel Fletcher ,Global News , August 07, 2021
“One of the biggest questions in astronomy nowadays is the search for life — extrasolar life — in the universe,” said Stanimir Metchev, Canada research chair in extrasolar planets and professor at Western University‘s Institute for Earth and Space Exploration.
Forecast perfect for ‘mythic’ Perseid meteor spectacle
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , August 06, 2021
The Perseid meteor shower peaks Aug. 12 to 13 and the stars are aligning for a really big show.
Seeking out suspended smoke
By
Mari-Len De Guzman ,Western News , August 06, 2021
Victoria Pinnegar, a graduate student in Robert Sica's research group, is tracking air particulates from wildfires over 1000km away
Western University meteor hunters join forces with worldwide network
By
Heather Rivers ,The London Free Press , August 01, 2021
Western University scientists Denis Vida and Mike Mazur monitor the sky with the Global Meteor Network to pinpoint meteors more accurately.
Welcome New Physics Faculty Members
July 01, 2021
Welcome announcement for new faculty from Applied Math.
12 Western scientists and scholars named Canada Research Chairs
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , June 15, 2021
Twelve Western researchers – including Francesca Vidotto – have been named Canada Research Chairs as they bolster their place among the top scholars and scientists in their fields.
Updates to First-Year Physics Courses
June 07, 2021
Our first-year physics course offerings have changed! Check out this link if you need help deciding which course is right for you.
Xenon-aided MRIs snap sharper images of lungs
By
Debora Van Brenk ,Western News , June 01, 2021
Alexei Ouriadov of Western’s Department of Physics and Astronomy researching use of hyperpolarized xenon gas to obtain high-resolution information about the lung during MRI scan.
Scientist set to explore massive stars with NASA telescope
By
Western Communications ,Western News , May 20, 2021
An international team, including Els Peeters from Western University's Institute for Earth and Space Exploration will use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to study the Orion Bar.
Western attracts $1 million to advance virtual learning
By
Western Communications ,Western News , May 18, 2021
Mikko Karttunen among ten Western initiatives have been awarded a total of $1 million in funding as part of the eCampusOntario Virtual Learning Strategy.
Researchers one step closer to developing Canada’s next space telescope
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , May 17, 2021
Western University and Bishop’s University are the recipients of $1.1 million to develop what could become Canada’s next space telescope mission.
‘Oumuamua’s origins
By
Randall Hyman ,Astronomy Magazine , April 28, 2021
Astronomy Magazine article on ‘Oumuamua’s origins cite study by Western University’s Paul Wiegert and Tim Hallatt, which argues that ‘Oumuamua could have formed less than 100 million years ago.
Western Meteor Group contributes to international study of important asteroid recovered in Botswana
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , April 26, 2021
Botswana asteroid likely came from Vesta – one of the largest objects in the asteroid belt
Western space scientists identify fastest-spinning ‘failed stars’ ever found
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , April 08, 2021
Using data from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, a team led by Western space scientists Megan Tannock and Stanimir Metchev has identified the three fastest-spinning brown dwarfs ever found.
Canadian researchers help locate extremely rare meteorite
By
Jeff Renaud ,Western News , March 11, 2021
Canadian researchers have helped discover and study a rare meteorite that fell over Winchombe, England in February. The rare space rock, called carbonaceous chondrite, remained in a deep freeze for the last 4.5 billion years and contains presolar grains, which are small dust particles even older than the Sun.
Sarah Gallagher is co-recipient of the Purvis Memorial Award from the Canadian Society of Chemical Industry
February 12, 2021
Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Gallagher, co-recipient of the Purvis Memorial Award from the Canadian Society of Chemical Industry, along with Dr. Cara Tannenbaum, recognizing their contributions to implementing the CanCOVID network.
Blazing fireball shatters during plunge from space
By
Scott Sutherland ,The Weather Network , December 08, 2020With relatively clear skies at the time, this bright meteor was seen for hundreds of kilometres around. Featuring footage from Western's ASGARD cameras!
Monday night fireball seen over Ottawa
By
Blair Crawford ,Ottawa Citizen , December 08, 2020A fireball, now known as Event 20201208-003040, was observed over Ottawa with a steep descent and (relatively) slow velocity of 47,000 km/h.
NewsTalk 610 - Interview with Cole Gregg on Newly Discovered Near-Earth Asteroid
By
Tim Denis ,NewsTalk 610 CKTB , November 26, 2020MSc Astronomy candidate Cole Gregg discusses newly discovered asteroid on Niagara in the Morning talk radio show with Tim Denis (1:25).
CBC News - Asteroid Sighting Interview with Cole Gregg
By
Carole MacNeil and Johanna Wagstaffe ,CBC News Network , November 26, 2020CBC interview with MSc Astronomy candidate Cole Gregg discussing his remote discovery of a previously unseen asteroid from a home in Chatham.
Western student spots never-before-seen asteroid
London Free Press , November 26, 2020Cole Gregg, MSc Astronomy candidate, discovered an unknown asteroid through remote access to a Spanish telescope on November 18th
CTV News: Early Morning Fireball
CTV News , October 05, 2020Dr. Denis Vida talks with CTV Toronto about an early morning fireball event. Watch the video today (18:31).
Western University, Physics & Astronomy
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