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This 1.7-gigapixel image of a field of stars in the constellation Lupus showcases the unprecedented view of the Universe that NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory gives us.

Lights, camera, action: LSST’s official launch

After more than a decade of planning and preparing, the NSF-DOE Vera C Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time officially began last night; the telescope in Chile will create a 'movie of the sky' over the next 10 years.

This illustration depicts the Sun-like star TOI-791 and two giant planets

Discovery of planets lighter than candy floss

An international collaboration led by the University of Oxford has discovered two of the lowest-density giant planets ever detected: rare 'super-puff' planets with densities lower than candy floss.

The team in Eindhoven with their medals

Oxford team take third in theoretical physics comp

A team of four physics undergraduate students – three of whom from the University of Oxford and one from Imperial College London – came third in the international finals of PLANCKS.

James Webb Telescope seen from its left (or port) side. This view shows part of the bottom of the telescope’s multi-layered sunshield, primary mirror, and mirror support struts.

Studying exoplanets and neutron stars with the James Webb Space Telescope

Two researchers from the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford have been awarded observing time on the James Webb Space Telescope to study exoplanet atmospheres and the origins of the heaviest elements in the Universe.

NASA/ESA/CSA JWST images of the complex of galaxies associated with the distant radio source TGSSJ1530+1049

JWST observes birth of giant galaxy and its massive black hole

An international team of astronomers, led by Dr Aayush Saxena from the University of Oxford, has used the James Webb Space Telescope to observe the birth of a massive galaxy.

Oxford physicists achieve first plasma acceleration in the UK

Oxford physicists have demonstrated beam-driven plasma acceleration in the UK for the first time, a breakthrough that could transform the design of future particle colliders.

Complete University Guide

Oxford ranked first for Physics in Complete University Guide 2027

The Department of Physics at the University of Oxford has been ranked first in the UK for Physics & Astronomy in the Complete University Guide 2027.

To build a quantum sensor, light must be prepared in a carefully controlled state where its frequency, polarisation and intensity are all well controlled. Here, the polarisation of blue light is altered before it is used to cool the atoms to absolute zero.

Oxford and the search for dark matter

Researchers from the Department of Physics contribute to major advance in the search for dark matter and gravitational waves.

Dr Isabelle Taylor, left, and Dr Milan Klöwer, right

Researchers recognised with MPLS award

Dr Milan Klöwer and Dr Isabelle Taylor have been recognised in this year’s MPLS Awards for Outstanding Research Supervision.

Artist's impression of a Type Ia supernova (based on observations of SN2014J).

Analysis of supernova data questions evidence for cosmic acceleration

Research led by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai along with Professor Emeritus Subir Sarkar from the University of Oxford, questions the widely accepted argument that the expansion rate of the universe is accelerating.

Type Ia supernova visible as a blue dot at the centre of this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image

New study confirms universe's expansion is still accelerating

A new international study has strengthened evidence that the expansion of the universe is still accelerating, addressing recent claims that had called one of modern cosmology's most important discoveries into question.

Professor Shivaji Sondhi

Professor Sondhi elected to National Academy of Sciences and American Academy of Sciences and Letters

Oxford physicist Professor Shivaji Sondhi FRS has been elected to two distinguished American learned societies: the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Sciences and Letters.