The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Utah is committed to public outreach. Over the years, our presence in the community, as well as opportunities for community involvement has increased significantly. Below are only a few of the many outreach programs our department coordinates. Check back regularly, as we are in the process of setting up web pages for all of our programs and will soon have them all listed here.

ASPIRE
ASPIRE (Astrophysics Science Project Integrating Research and Education) is the educational outreach program of the High Resolution Fly’s Eye Group, ASPIRE is committed to providing direct support to the teachers and students of Utah and surrounding areas.

MESA Recruiting Partnership
The department is partnered with the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement program (MESA). The purpose of MESA is to increase the number of underserved ethnic minority and all female students who pursue study in mathematics, engineering, and science areas.  The University is dedicated to the scientific education of such students, while they are in junior high and high school, and demonstrate that physics is fun, interesting, and leads to careers where work is engaging, secure, and well compensated.

SPS
The Society of Physics Students (SPS) is focused on the advancement and diffusion of knowledge of physics, the encouragement of interest in physics throughout the academic and local communities, and the introduction of students to the professional community.

Star Parties
The department also offers free public star parties every clear Wednesday night on the roof of the South Physics Building at the University of Utah. In the summer, the observatory will also hold Solar Parties usually on Wednesdays preceding a public star party. Tours of the observatory and star parties for scout groups and other public groups on weekdays and Saturdays can also be arraigned.  NEW: The observatory now has telescopes available for travelling to off-campus locations for star parties. All tours and star parties are subject to weather and availability. Questions can be directed to observatory@physics.utah.edu.