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Find out about the latest Physics and Astronomy news from the University of Sheffield.
A timelapse image of a starry night sky
18 August 2022

Size matters: how Sheffield physicists are exploring the very small and the very large

This year, Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sheffield was ranked top in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. We spoke to some of the scientists behind this achievement, who are creating unique research opportunities for their students.
An illustration of graphene.
8 July 2022

Student research into 2D materials is shaping the future of our 3D world

The unique properties 2D materials are ushering us into an exciting age of nanotechnology. PhD students Sam Randerson and Amelia Wood are studying these exciting nanomaterials to explore their potential for quantum computing and medical technology.
REF 2021 illustration
12 May 2022

Physics at Sheffield rated 1st in the UK for the quality of research

In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 100 per cent of research and impact from the Department of Physics and Astronomy has been classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
ALMA’s high-resolution images of planet-forming discs. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), S. Andrews et al.; N. Lira, CC BY-SA
ALMA’s high-resolution images of planet-forming discs. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), S. Andrews et al.; N. Lira, CC BY-SA

How massive stars steal planets – new research

Dr Richard Parker has written a blog post for The Conversation about his work exploring how massive stars steal planets away from each other.

9 September 2022 | Published by The Conversation
Artist impress of a BEASTie

Planetary heist: astronomers show massive stars can steal Jupiter-sized planets

Jupiter-sized planets can be stolen or captured by massive stars in the densely populated stellar nurseries where most stars are born, a new study has found. 

8 September 2022
Picture of the GOTO telescope at sunset

New gravitational wave telescope developed in collaboration with Sheffield scientists

A new telescope made up of two identical arrays on opposite sides of the planet has been produced to track down sources of gravitational waves for the first time.

22 July 2022
This artist’s impression shows what the binary system VFTS 243 might look like if we were observing it up close.

‘Black hole police' discover dormant black hole outside our galaxy

University of Sheffield researchers help discovered a stellar-mass black hole in a neighbouring galaxy

19 July 2022
Concept art for what a black hole could look like

Unlocking a mystery of the Universe: sensitive dark matter detector comes to life

Scientists at the University of Sheffield have partnered in an international research project to search for invisible dark matter particles.

8 July 2022