Events at Physics |
Events During the Week of February 8th through February 15th, 2026
Sunday, February 8th, 2026
- Wonders of Physics
- The Wonders of Physics 43rd annual show
- Time: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
- Place: 2103 Chamberlin
- Abstract: The Wonders of Physics annual show is a free physics demonstration show for all ages.
- Wonders of Physics
- The Wonders of Physics 43rd annual show
- Time: 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
- Place: 2103 Chamberlin
- Abstract: The Wonders of Physics annual show is a free physics demonstration show for all ages.
Monday, February 9th, 2026
- No events scheduled
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026
- No events scheduled
Wednesday, February 11th, 2026
- No events scheduled
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
- R. G. Herb Condensed Matter Seminar
- Orbital magnetism and flat bands in magnetic field
- Time: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Place: 5310 Chamberlin Hall
- Speaker: Oskar Vafek , UMN-FTPI
- Abstract: I will discuss recent theoretical progress in understanding the role played by the electron-electron interactions in orbital magnetism, and highlight results obtained for the flat bands of the magic angle twisted bilayer graphene, as well as for some twisted transition metal dichalcogenides. I will also discuss the effect of the external out-of-plane magnetic field on the correlated ground states and their excitations, and compare the ensuing Landau level degeneracies with the experimental observations.
- Host: Alex Levchenko
- Astronomy Colloquium
- Unlocking Planetary Potential Through Studying Formation Environments
- Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Place: 4421 Sterling Hall
- Speaker: Prof. Ilse Cleeves, University of Virginia
- Abstract: The last decade of ALMA observations has transformed our view of planet-forming environments in all respects. High-resolution images have revealed a diverse array of structured belts of millimeter-sized dust and a variety of distinct molecular compositions both within disks and between different disk systems. How does this diversity translate into the initial conditions for planet formation and the compositions (gaseous and solid) that planets receive? Do planets acquire water and organic material during formation, or later from volatile-rich cometary reservoirs? I will present recent work including ongoing efforts from the ALMA "Disk-Exoplanet C/Onnection" Large Program, highlighting how observations and models have radically shifted our picture of the chemical and physical environment of planet formation in recent years and how multiwavelength campaigns, including with JWST, can help us identify patterns in the apparent variety of protoplanetary environments. I will conclude with a look forward to bridging the mid-IR and sub-millimeter gap with powerful tracers of planetary composition enabled by upcoming far-IR missions.
- Host: Coco Zhang
Friday, February 13th, 2026
- Physics Department Colloquium
- The Black Hole Diet: How Accretion Controls Spin, Growth, and Feedback
- Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Place: Chamberlin 2241
- Speaker: Alexander Tchekhovskoy, Northwestern University
- Abstract: A black hole’s accretion rate controls its destiny, governing its spin, growth, luminosity, and feedback. However, connecting these crucial quantities to the scales that we can actually observe remains a major theoretical hurdle. In this talk, I will present recent simulations of magnetized gas feeding rapidly rotating black holes. These models offer new insights into the mechanics of gas consumption and ejection. I will demonstrate how these findings apply to a vast range of systems, linking the physics of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies to stellar-mass black holes born in dying stars.
- Host: Vladimir Zhdankin
Saturday, February 14th, 2026
- Outreach
- Physics Fair
- Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 am
- Place: 2nd Floor of Chamberlin Hall
- Abstract: The Physics Fair is an annual Department of Physics open house that typically includes laboratory tours, hands-on demonstrations, activities for kids and families, and informal conversations with scientists. No tickets or RSVP are required for the Physics Fair. The 2026 Physics Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 14 from 12-4pm in Chamberlin Hall.
- Host: Sarah Parker
- Wonders of Physics
- The Wonders of Physics 43rd annual show
- Time: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
- Place: 2103 Chamberlin
- Abstract: The Wonders of Physics annual show is a free physics demonstration show for all ages.
- Wonders of Physics
- The Wonders of Physics 43rd annual show
- Time: 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
- Place: 2103 Chamberlin
- Abstract: The Wonders of Physics annual show is a free physics demonstration show for all ages.
Sunday, February 15th, 2026
- Wonders of Physics
- The Wonders of Physics 43rd annual show
- Time: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
- Place: 2103 Chamberlin
- Abstract: The Wonders of Physics annual show is a free physics demonstration show for all ages.
- Wonders of Physics
- The Wonders of Physics 43rd annual show
- Time: 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm
- Place: 2103 Chamberlin
- Abstract: The Wonders of Physics annual show is a free physics demonstration show for all ages.