At this time our main office is open virtually to assist you. We encourage virtual contact by email or phone, (519) 661-2111 (x83283), or directly at 519-661-3283. Please see our Contact Us and People pages for specific contact information. If you are a student in need of academic counselling or assistance, please consult the Science Academic Counselling website.
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
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, 2020
With 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
1151 Richmond Street
London, Ontario, Canada
N6A 5B7
P (519) 661-2111 (x83283) or 519-661-3283
p-a.info@uwo.ca
Main Office is Operating Virtually. Contact Physics & Astronomy with inquires or to request a physical visit.
Tweets by @WesternUScience
