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Image of planet against black.
Voices & Opinion
January 4, 2021 | 04:06 pm

A new era in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence

If trends continue, “the search for intelligence in the universe may finally escape the giggle-factor,” writes University of Rochester astrophysicist Adam Frank in a Washington Post op-ed.

topics: Adam Frank, Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Arts and Sciences,
Quantum processor closeup.
Science & Technology
October 15, 2020 | 08:47 am

Quantum engines? Entanglement as fuel?

It’s still more science fiction than science fact, but perfect energy efficiency may be one step closer due to new research by Rochester physicists.

topics: Department of Physics and Astronomy, quantum science, research funding, School of Arts and Sciences,
illustration of exoplanet formation
Science & Technology
August 10, 2020 | 08:55 am

Rochester leads effort to understand matter at atom-crushing pressures

The University is the host institution for a NSF-funded national collaboration to explore ‘revolutionary states of matter.’

topics: Adam Frank, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Eric Blackman, Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, high-energy-density physics, Hussein Aluie, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Miki Nakajima, Rip Collins, School of Arts and Sciences, Suxing Hu,
Comet Neowise in sky over Arizona
Science & Technology
July 17, 2020 | 04:32 pm

How to view Comet NEOWISE

Work by Rochester researchers will help make a space-based infrared telesecope—the kind that detected Comet NEOWISE—even more precise.

topics: Department of Physics and Astronomy, featured-post-side, School of Arts and Sciences,
Illustration of OSIRIS-REx collecting samples on an asteroid surface.
Science & Technology
July 17, 2020 | 01:38 pm

New data about asteroid surfaces will help explorers touch down safely

Using sand, marbles, and mathematical modeling, Rochester researchers from across departments worked to improve the accuracy of data collected from the surfaces of asteroids.

topics: Alice Quillen, Department of Computer Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Physics and Astronomy, research finding, School of Arts and Sciences,
Gourab Ghosal, at left, and Gonzalo Mateos
University News
July 2, 2020 | 02:42 pm

Faculty recognized as AS&E data science fellows

Physicist Gourab Ghoshal and electrical and computer engineer Gonzalo Mateos received alumni-supported fellowships to use data science in exploring their fields.

topics: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Gourab Ghoshal, Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences,
Quantum processor closeup.
Science & Technology
June 19, 2020 | 10:31 am

Is teleportation possible? Yes, in the quantum world

Rochester physicists are exploring new ways of creating quantum-mechanical interactions between distant electrons. The research marks an important advance in quantum computing.

topics: Department of Physics and Astronomy, John Nichol, quantum science, School of Arts and Sciences, URnano,
Several planets and star in space prompt researchers to answer the questions, are aliens real and do aliens exist.
Science & Technology
June 18, 2020 | 03:04 pm

Are aliens real? Do aliens exist? Technosignatures may hold new clues

Adam Frank, professor of physics and astronomy, is searching for “technosignatures,” or the physical and chemical traces of advanced civilizations, among the 4,000 or so exoplanets scientists have found so far.

topics: Adam Frank, Department of Physics and Astronomy, exoplanets, School of Arts and Sciences,
In Photos
June 2, 2020 | 02:18 pm

Instrument to detect dark energy is poised for debut

Members of a University of Rochester cosmology group who are a key part of a multi-institutional effort to create the most detailed 3-D map ever made of the universe are looking forward to the launch of the instrument later this year in Arizona.

The team—Regina Demina, professor of physics; Satya Gontcho A Gontcho, postdoctoral research associate; Segev BenZvi, assistant professor of physics; and Kelly Douglass, visiting assistant professor of physics and astronomy—are working on the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) project, an initiative to provide a more comprehensive look at dark energy and how it’s influencing the expansion of the universe. The instrument—including the 5,000 robotic positioners of the telescope’s focal plane (above)—will capture data from 35 million galaxies, potentially providing insight about the life cycle of galaxies and about the cosmic web that connects matter in the universe.

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the lead institution on the project, announced on June 1 that DESI was complete and was moving toward its startup.

Read more about Rochester’s team.

topics: dark matter, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Regina Demina, Segev BenZvi,