Apply physical laws to the working of the cosmos, and work in the largest laboratory there is: the universe itself. Through the study of astrophysics, researchers learn about the origin, structure, evolution, and ecology of the universe and its constituents. By combining astrophysics and elementary particle physics, Michigan Tech researchers can also study high-energy radiation—such as gamma rays, neutrinos, and cosmic rays—and cosmic constituents like active galactic nuclei and super-massive black holes.
With so many mysteries of the universe left unsolved, astrophysics and particle astrophysics aims to make sense of phenomena ranging from the smallest atomic particles to the universe’s largest galaxies.
Outreach and Education
Robert Nemiroff
A minor planet has been named after University Professor Robert Nemiroff. The International Astronomical Union functional working group Small Bodies Nomenclature (WGSBN) announced the name in a WGSBN Bulletin.
Formerly known as 2002 GB185, the asteroid is now also known as (270558) Nemiroff. This minor planet orbits in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and was discovered April 9, 2002.
The WGSBN bulletin entry reads: "Robert J. Nemiroff (b. 1960) is an American physicist working at Michigan Technological University. His main research interests are in gamma-ray bursts, gravitational lensing, and cosmology. As a co-creator of the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) he has provided outstanding contributions to the public understanding of astronomy since 1995."
Professor Nemiroff's outreach and education site APOD - the astronomy picture of the day has been one of the most enduring pages on the internet, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025.
Researchers
| Faculty | Areas of Interest |
Labs
Amjoch Observatory
Atlantic Mine
Researcher: Chris Middlebrook
HAWC Lab
Fisher B005
Researchers: Petra Huentemeyer
Auger Lab (global project)
DOW
Researchers: Brian Fick
Positions Available
Undergraduate
All faculty members accept undergraduate student researchers into their labs. For more information, please contact physics@mtu.edu. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURFs) are open to all Tech undergraduates who have at least one semester remaining after the summer.
Graduate
The Department of Physics seeks qualified applicants in all areas of physics for GRA and GTA positions. For more information, please contact the graduate program directors.