USC Dornsife News

Astronomer Caroline Herschel’s work discovering and cataloging astronomical objects in the 18th century is still used in the field today, but she didn’t always get her due credit.

With the popularity of eclipses and meteor showers, USC Dornsife astronomy professor Vahe Peroomian shares his travel tips for viewing astronomical phenomena.

A USC Dornsife scholar of physics and astronomy answers questions about Pluto and other dwarf planets. These celestial bodies in our Solar System are cold, dark, far away and full of surprises.

For many scientists, it’s no longer a question of “if” but “when” we encounter alien life. So, what will happen when humans finally do come face-to-face with E.T. and how will we communicate? [8½ min read]

The first-year astronomy major, lifeguard and Navy cadet has a special connection to the ocean and the environment. [2¼ min read]

In physicist and astronomer Vahe Peroomian’s class, students contemplate the formation of life on Earth and whether other life-forms exist in the cosmos. [4¾ min read]

The 1969 Apollo moon landing inspired millions around the globe. A similar expedition to Mars could inspire even more young people today, says USC Dornsife physicist Vahe Peroomian. [5 ¾ min read]

Growing up in China, Haochen Wang struggled with his studies. But after deciding to learn for fun, not validation, this USC 2019 salutatorian found his passions: math, science and even music. [2¼ min read]

The portrayal of its lead characters as scientists and engineers is a groundbreaking achievement, says physics and astronomy professor Clifford Johnson.