Welcome to the Van Allen Observatory website. The University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy maintains these pages as a guide to the Van Allen Observatory (VAO) located on the roof of Van Allen Hall in downtown Iowa City.

View of Phillips, Van Allen, Biology Buildings via Drone Sept 2021

Events

Peer Review Process and Journal Expectations promotional image

Peer Review Process and Journal Expectations

Thursday, September 10, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Seamans Center
Build your scholarly toolkit with this workshop on the peer review process

Graduate & Professional Students: Let's Do Lunch!

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Sciences Library
Bring your academic interests to the table and engage with fellow graduate and professional students in a casual, supportive environment.

Learn to Solder: Fundamentals

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm
Seamans Center
Learn the basics of electronics and soldering by building your own glowing creepy-crawly bug.