SDState Physics Department

04/23/2026

America’s first next-generation nuclear power plant just broke ground in Wyoming—marking a major turning point for the future of energy.

12/04/2024

Catch the paired with during twilight and for an hour or so after dark tomorrow night. When seen from the Americas, they'll be just 2° or 3° apart.

Think photo opportunity.

11/30/2024

Thanksgiving has passed. So as soon as the stars come out, the W stands on end (its fainter end) high in the northeast. Watch Cas turn around to become a flattened M, even higher in the north, by late evening.
https://buff.ly/3ZaHg4E

09/08/2024

09/05/2024

We miss you! We are busy on our new departmental page at https://www.facebook.com/sdstatechembiochemphysics

Please join us!

Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics at South Dakota State University

08/25/2024

Please follow our department’s NEW PAGE (https://www.facebook.com/sdstatechembiochemphysics) to get all the news about the department and join our efforts during One Day for State!

07/30/2024

It looks like the strongest part of the solar storm will impact Earth during the daytime but there is still a chance of seeing the northern lights tonight. Best prediction, as of now, is from after dark to around midnight.

As noted previously, the smoke in the air experienced by many of us may significantly impact viewing of the northern lights.

07/29/2024

There may be a chance of seeing the northern lights overnight and even tomorrow night. Initial predictions would be for the early morning hours on Tuesday, though the bulk of the storm may impact us during the day tomorrow.

One problem in viewing the aurora will be the smoke in the atmosphere. Depending on how thick it is in your area, the aurora may be significantly dimmed.

07/02/2024