Vahe Peroomian

Professor of Physics and Astronomy, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Vahe Peroomian has been teaching physics and astronomy for over 20 years, with a teaching philosophy centered on the success of not just a select few students in each class, but each and every student that is enrolled in the courses he teaches.

Vahé has 25 years of research experience in space science (specializing in geomagnetic storms and their societal impacts) with funding from NASA and the National Science Foundation.

In addition to his passion for astronomy, Vahe is an avid photographer and an author on the Serway and Jewett series of physics textbooks.

From 2005 to 2020 Vahe served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Glendale Community College (GCC) in Glendale, California, a city-wise elected position to which he was reelected three times.

Latest articles by Vahe Peroomian

a long exposure photograph turns stars into circles of light in the night sky

Why are some stars always visible while others come and go with the seasons?

By Vahe Peroomian published

So, why is it that Orion is not always visible in the night sky, and certainly not in the same location month after month, while the Big Dipper always is?

Stars
People gather to watch the 2017 total solar eclipse over the town of Prinevill, Oregon, U.S.

Astro-tourism – chasing eclipses, meteor showers and elusive dark skies from Earth

By Vahe Peroomian published

In 2024, much of the eastern United States will fall in the path of a total solar eclipse.

Meteors & Meteor Showers
Pluto, the largest of the dwarf planets. This image was taken by NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft.

Curious kids: What is a dwarf planet?

By Vahe Peroomian published

In 2006, and after much debate, the International Astronomical Union came up with a new definition for a planet. And for the first time, the term "dwarf planet" was used.

Dwarf Planets