Physics and Astronomy Department

What is it like to explore Mars? What do the latest discoveries from the Red Planet tell us about our own past on Earth -- or our future?

Find out in person next month at Western Washington University, via a talk by professor Melissa Rice, one of 400 scientists worldwide to help pilot…

Kodiak Murphy of Quilcene was honored by Western Washington University as an Outstanding Graduate for the 2014-15 academic year at spring commencement, Saturday, June 13.
Faculty members from dozens of academic departments and programs select one graduate to honor as the Outstanding…

While Pluto has not been an official planet since 2006, it will be stealing the spotlight when a NASA spacecraft makes the closest-ever encounter with it on Tuesday, July 14.

The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention will be hosting Pluto Revealed, a free event from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday to…

Melissa Rice’s career revolves around answering a question that continues to entice the human imagination: Can life evolve elsewhere in the universe?

Rice, an assistant professor at Western Washington University, thinks the answer may be found on Mars.

Beavers don't brush their teeth, and they don't drink fluoridated water, but a new Northwestern University study reports beavers do have protection against tooth decay built into the chemical structure of their teeth: iron.

Dust to dust: the life cycle of stars will be the topic of discussion at the next meeting of the Coast chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada on Feb. 13.

Guest speaker is Dr. Kristen Larson, associate professor at Western Washington University. Her presentation starts at 7:30…