About

An overview and description of the Astronomy department at Denison University.

The science of astronomy focuses on understanding celestial events and objects, such as planets, stars, galaxies, and the evolution of the universe. Astronomers and astrophysicists apply foundational ideas in physics to collect data, interpret observations, and construct models of astrophysical systems.

The curriculum at Denison emphasizes the observational and quantitative nature of modern astronomy. The department has excellent equipment and facilities for teaching astronomy, including the Swasey Observatory and the Marilyn P. McConnell Planetarium.

Mission Statement

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Denison University seeks to foster an understanding and deep appreciation of the physical world and our relationship to it. Our mission is centered on an engaging curriculum that balances breadth and depth, empowering students to explore, comprehend, and apply the fundamental principles of the universe.

Our faculty prioritize undergraduate education, combining effective teaching practices with the latest scholarly insights. We invite students to become active partners in the pursuit of original investigations, nurturing a culture of inquiry and discovery. Through our comprehensive program, students achieve increasing levels of autonomy in both experimental and theoretical physics.

The key objectives of our program are for students to:

understand the principal laws which govern the physical world;
master the fundamental reasoning process used in solving problems;
learn mathematical techniques and computational tools to solve physics problems;
develop an understanding of electronics, technical measurements, and data analysis;
identify, organize, and conduct independent investigations and communicate the results.

Departmental Guidelines

Astronomy is a natural science that studies planets, stars, galaxies, and space in general. The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a variety of astronomy courses with different levels of depth and mathematical rigor.

A minor in astronomy is available to any Denison student. The student who desires preparation for graduate work in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Space Physics should pursue a major in Physics with a minor in Astronomy and is encouraged to consult early with faculty in the Physics and Astronomy Department. See Physics Department section.

Denison Magazine

Total eclipse of The Hill

Perfect weather and breathtaking views made this once-in-a-lifetime event live up to the hype.

Denison Magazine

The ON Switch

Conversations with faculty about what it means to teach — and to trigger those amazing moments of illumination

Imaging a galaxy far far away

If you're a fan of 'Star Wars,' Prof. Dan Homan can talk to you about a real-life galaxy that has a 'TIE' to the blockbuster movie series.

The astrophysicist and the archeological dig

Meaghan Accarino ‘21, an astrophysicist-in-the-making, spends a summer in the earth instead of the stars.

Prof. Steve Doty, Angela Sommerer ’20, and Tran Anh Nguyen ’20

How We Learn

A Surprising New Model of Star Formation

Students study how stars are formed through data and find surprising support for a new model.

How We Learn

The Philosophy of Physics

Professor of Physics and Astronomy Steve Doty was awarded a Charles Brickman Award for Excellence in Teaching.

What's Happening

Departmental Fellows, Awards & Honors, Students

Doane renovation and expansion: Introducing the Center for Data Reasoning & Visualization

A bigger, better Big Red Weekend

Former attorney general finds optimism on The Hill

About

Spotlights

Total eclipse of The Hill

The ON Switch

Imaging a galaxy far far away

The astrophysicist and the archeological dig

A Surprising New Model of Star Formation

The Philosophy of Physics

What's Happening

Honors Day 2024

What happens during “cosmic noon”?

In the nanoworld, noise helps!