Department of Physics and Materials Science

Voyage Solar System Scale Model

Take a slideshow tour of the individual kiosks, part of the exhibition of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education.

News and Events

Find out what's happening in the Department of Physics and Materials Science

Our Location

Manning Hall is located between the fountain and the library

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge and innovation while educating the next generation of talented scientists. Our dedicated faculty supports this mission with cutting-edge research, unique programs, and a supportive learning environment.

News and Highlights

For Earth Day, April 22, 2026

Get a Cosmic Perspective with The Memphis Voyage Solar System (MVSS)

At 9:30 am on Earth Day, take a personal tour.

The sizes, distances, and speeds are all on the same 10 billion to 1 scale!

(Note: The full tour is a 2000 ft walk each way)

See the Speed of Light robot (SOL) move like light from the model Sun to model Earth in the same time that real sunlight travels from the Sun to the real Earth!
See how big our Sun would appear if seen from each planet

Learn a bit about each planet on the tour.
Tours meet at the Sun, just east of the UM Art Gallery
The Sun is also on Google maps, listed as Memphis Voyage Solar System
Can't make it? Take a self-guided tour using the QR codes at each stop.

Save your spot by clicking here!

rhoades solarpeople

2026 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics

2026Endowed

Dr. Marcel Demarteau, Director of the Physics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will deliver the 2026 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics. Visit the Lois McGlothlin Donaldson page for more information about this endowed lecture.

World Space Week

Join us on Friday, September 26, at the University Center for an early World Space Week Event. Four Apollo flight controllers will share their Apollo memories with film clips from the documentary "Mission Control: the Unsung Heroes of Apollo". Event Details: 5:00 PM reception, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM program, UC Atrium and Theater. View film trailer. Space Week event flyer During World Space Week, from October 4 to October 10, we will host free in-person tours of the Memphis Voyage Solar System (MVSS). Please register for one of the following dates and times on our MVSS webpage. Those who register for a specific tour will be contacted if the tour must be cancelled due to rain or excessive heat. Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 AM Monday, October 6, at 9:30 AM Tuesday, October 7, at 1:00 PM Wednesday, October 8, at 9:30 AM Thursday, October 9 at 1:00 PM Friday, October 10 at 9:30 AM Learn more at this link to our MVSS website: /physics/memphis_voyage/index.php

2025 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics

John Durning Endowed Lecture Announcement

Dr. Francisco Muller Sanchez and Dr. Benjamin Keller will deliver the 2025 Lois McGlothlin Donaldson Endowed Lecture in Physics. Visit the Lois McGlothlin Donaldson page for more information about this endowed lecture.

There will be tours of the Memphis Voyage Solar System at 4:00, 4:15, and 4:30 PM on Friday, the 4th. Please register here to reserve your spot!

Upcoming! There will be a tour of the Memphis Voyage Solar System at 2:00 PM on Earth Day, April 22. Reserve your spot today!

New Alumni Spotlight and Newsletter

Happy Holidays! We are pleased to present our latest Departmental Newsletter, covering the Holiday Season of 2023-2024. Please also peruse our past Alumni Spotlights and Newsletters.

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