Department of Physics & Astronomy
Outreach
Outreach is an important mission of the UNM Physics and Astronomy department. We aim to bring the wonders of physics and astronomy to a wide audience through a variety of programs:
PAÍS lab visits for high schools
Research labs were specially designed for our faculty in our state-of-the-art Physics, Astronomy, and Interdisciplinary Sciences (PAÍS) building. High school classes can visit our undergraduate physics labs and some of our faculty's research labs with prior arrangement. Contact Dave Dunlap for information
Campus observatory public viewing sessions
The UNM Campus Observatory provides an opportunity for UNM students, school groups, and the interested public to view the night skies in a convenient setting within Albuquerque. Every Friday night during the UNM fall and spring semesters we are open for public viewing sessions, weather permitting.
Lecture Demonstration Shows
The Society of Physics Students and the Graduate Student Association put on live physics demonstrations illustrating basic physics principles in mechanics, optics, and electricity and magnetism at Regener Hall in Fall and Spring for interested high school students and their families
Science and Society Public Talks
This monthly talk series takes place in the PAIS lecture hall. The series is organized and sponsored by the research honor society Sigma Xi and the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Lecturers communicate to the community at large. Each year students and the public have an opportunity to hear exceptional talks and to ask questions of experts. See the event listing.
Astronomy on Tap
Astronomy on Tap features free, accessible, and engaging talks from the Albuquerque science community. Tagline: "Hop into outer space with us" See AOT on Facebook.
Annular Eclipse
The Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse will begin at 10:36 am and end at 12:09 pm.
The Physics Department is in the process of planning an eclipse viewing party. Read more about this event
Women in Physics, Astronomy, and Optics (WiPAO)
Founded in 2020, this graduate student-run organization promotes gender diversity in the UNM Physics & Astronomy and Optical Science & Engineering departments.
Working with faculty and our fellow students, we strive to address any existing issues with gender diversity in our departments, university and community in the hopes of fostering an environment where all genders feel comfortable. Visit the group website
Research Experience for Undergraduates
The 10 week REU program helps students develop strong student-mentor relationships as well as laboratory and research skills. The program pays a stipend, room and board, and covers travel. See the REU program website.
QU-REACH program
The Quantum Undergraduate Research Experience at CHTM Program at the University of New Mexico is a ten-week summer undergraduate research program that encourages early hands-on research experience in Quantum Technology. Visit the website
QuarkNet@UNM
The National Science Foundation funds the QuarkNet program, in which high school science teachers gain experience conducting particle physics research side-by-side with university researchers. Teachers who have research experience often share that experience with students in a way that excites the students about science and gets them involved in classroom investigations of science. Visit the website to find out more.
