A Weeklong Celebration of
Our Legacy in Space
February 14–21
Beyond the Arc & Beyond the Stars
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is known for defying expectations. It shows on defense, in discovery, and in the farthest galaxies. This is more than basketball. More than science. This is a legacy of determination and the pursuit of greatness that defines what it means to be a Wildcat.
#2 in Astronomy & Astrophysics Expenditures
Astronomy & Astrophysics Expenditures
$1 Billion+ FY2024 Research Expenditures
Billion+ FY2024 Research Expenditures
#6 NASA-Funded Activity
NASA-Funded Activity
Events
Galaxy Slam brings Wildcats together – on the court, in the classroom, and beyond the stars. Join us February 14–21, for a weeklong celebration featuring community activities and on-campus events.
February 15–21, 2026 at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
At Flandrau, Galaxy Slam continues February 15-21 with all 3:30PM shows featuring bonus content that highlights each of the stellar researchers highlighted as part of Galaxy Slam. Limited Edition Scientist Trading Cards are given free with your planetarium tickets!
Tuesday, Feb 17: Mysteries of the Unseen World ft. Carlos J. Vargas
Wednesday, Feb 18: The Sun, Our Living Star ft. Kris Klein
Thursday, Feb 19: Black Holes ft. Kate Alexander
Friday, Feb 20: Big Astronomy ft. Daewook Kim
Saturday, Feb 21: Out There ft. Tyler Robinson
Monday, February 16, 7:30-8:30pm at Steward Observatory
AI isn't one player, it's a team. Hear from four leading experts and learn how different models play different roles in helping us explore the universe.
February 17 2026, 7pm at Centennial Hall
Harnessing the Power of Stars: Shaping the Future of Energy with Fusion Science
Fusion powers the Sun and may soon power Earth. Learn how stellarators, advanced fusion devices, are being optimized through math and computation. Explore recent breakthroughs, challenges, and what's next.
Tuesday, February 17, 6-8pm at Cork & Craft in the Student Union Memorial Center
Join Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium and Cork & Craft for Galaxy Slam Trivia, a cosmic-themed trivia night that will test your knowledge of space, stars and the great beyond! Bring a team, challenge your cosmic smarts, and enjoy themed mocktails and prizes while falling in love with the universe!
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the McKale Center
BYU vs University of Arizona.
One night. One court. No mercy.
Loud gym. Fast breaks. Hard fouls. Conference pride on the line. Part of the Galaxy Slam series.
Big matchup. Bigger energy. Get ready to stand. Get ready to yell. Get ready to slam!
February 14-21, 2026, at Worlds of Words Center
Before they were shot callers, scientists were kids who dreamed big. Visit Worlds of Words to browse global books igniting your imagination about space and space travel. The display features stellar original art from published picturebook illustrators Julien Chung, Stevie Lewis and S.D. Nelson.
Open to the public 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat. No reservation required.
Arizona’s Impact in Space
In Tucson, basketball is more than a game – it’s a legacy of excellence. But Wildcats also claim another home court: the cosmos. For more than six decades, the University of Arizona has led the search for what lies beyond our Sonoran Desert skies.
Meet Arizona’s All-Star Cosmic Lineup
From stellar discoveries to cutting-edge research, these Wildcats are changing how we see the universe. Check out their work and grab exclusive Galaxy Slam trading cards at upcoming campus events.
A Look That’s Out of This World
Join Us on the Court and in the Cosmos
Galaxy Slam is a celebration of the relentless curiosity, competitive spirit, and Wildcat determination that pushes us beyond the expected. Whether you’re cheering from McKale or exploring the universe with our researchers, you are part of the legacy.
