Physics & Astronomy at University of Victoria

09/10/2026

Researchers at the University of Victoria are shedding new light on the origins of our planet by studying small, icy bodies orbiting beyond Neptune.

In a joint study led by UVic PhD candidate Marielle Eduardo (pictured) and Wesley Fraser (adjunct professor and NRC research officer), the team used NASA's Hubble and James Webb space telescopes in tandem to analyze 27 newly discovered Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs). They discovered that despite having different formation histories and locations, distinct TNO populations share surprisingly similar size distributions, suggesting that initial environmental conditions may not dictate how these objects take shape.

Read the full story here: https://news.uvic.ca/expert-advisory/trans-neptunian-objects-reveal-clues-to-planet-formation/

09/10/2026

Our astrophysicist, Dr. Sara Ellison has been inducted into the Royal Society of Canada!

A world-renowned leader in galaxy evolution, Dr. Sara Ellison has made pioneering contributions across three key areas of astrophysics: high-redshift quasar absorption lines, the interstellar medium, and galaxy mergers. Her breakthroughs have driven major advancements in star formation, supermassive black holes, and galactic chemistry.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ellison on this well-deserved recognition!

Read the full story here: https://news.uvic.ca/2026/royal-society-of-canada-honours-uvic-scholars/

06/09/2026

11/06/2025

Join the 63rd Winter Nuclear & Particle Physics Conference (WNPPC) in Banff, Alberta from February 12 to 15th, 2026 ✨❄

The Winter Nuclear and Particle Physics Conference is a national meeting for the Canadian subatomic physics community, with a special focus on providing a forum for junior researchers (students and postdocs) and encourages scientific discussions and community building with subatomic research groups from across Canada.

Topics include:
- Electroweak & Higgs Physics
- Neutrino Properties
- QCD and Hadrons
- Physics Beyond the Standard Model
- Nuclear Structure
- Nuclear & Particle Astrophysics
- Dark Matter Searches

For more information about the conference and to submit your abstract: https://indico.triumf.ca/event/830/

10/09/2025

Come explore the cosmos with us at the observatory open house! 🔭✨

Please note: We will be closed on Wednesday, November 12 due to reading break.

🎟 Free admission
☁️ Rain or shine — no registration needed
👥 Everyone welcome — no astronomy experience required

05/01/2025

Join us this summer every Wednesday from May 14th to August 27th for a night under the stars ✨

🕣 8:30PM – 10:30PM
📍 5th Floor, Bob Wright Centre

Come explore the night sky through our telescopes and chat with astronomy enthusiasts. Free and open to everyone—rain or shine! 🔭

For more info: https://www.uvic.ca/science/physics/outreach_alumni/outreach_alumni/community/open-house/index.php

03/27/2025

Congratulations to Jess Speedie, who was announced today as one of the 8 outstanding post-doctoral scientists to be honoured the '51 Pegasi b Fellow Award' for 2025 🎉👏

Learn more: https://www.hsfoundation.org/fellow/jess-speedie/
MIT's Press Release: https://eaps.mit.edu/news-impact/mit-welcomes-2025-heising-simons-foundation-51-pegasi-b-fellow-jess-speedie/

02/27/2025

Please join us on Wednesday, March 5th at 3:30 p.m. PST for an in-person colloquium by Dr. Isabel Trigger, TRIUMF
For more information: https://events.uvic.ca/physics/event/95583-physics-and-astronomy-colloquium-dr-isabel-trigger

02/20/2025

Please join us on Wednesday, February 26 at 3:30 p.m. PST for an in-person colloquium by Dr. Suzie Sheehy, University of Melbourne
For more information: https://events.uvic.ca/physics/event/95427-physics-and-astronomy-colloquium-dr-suzie-sheehy

02/13/2025

We're excited to share a major achievement from our Astronomy Research Centre team! ✨🔭
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, we've captured a never-before-seen look at planet formation around the young star PDS 70. Our study, published in the Astronomical Journal, reveals how two growing planets are competing for material in their early stages. With JWST’s advanced interferometry mode, we’re unlocking new insights into planetary evolution, helping us understand how solar systems—including ours—come to be 🌌

Read about it here:
https://www.uvic.ca/arc