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

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium - Jean-François Ripoll; CEA, DAM, DIF, Arpajon, France 2 Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, LMCE, France promotional image

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium - Jean-François Ripoll; CEA, DAM, DIF, Arpajon, France 2 Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, LMCE, France

Monday, July 21, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Van Allen Hall
From the inner magnetosphere to the Van Allen's radiation beltsJean-François RipollIn this colloquium, I will discuss the dynamics of the energetic electrons trapped within the Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts through observations and computations of the whole environment in which these particles evolve, starting as wide as the Earth’s inner magnetosphere and narrowing to the finest scales of local measurements from recent satellite missions. The inner magnetosphere dynamics are presented...
Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, July 25, 2025 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Van Allen Hall
Please join the University of Iowa Physics & Astronomy Department as we use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the summer sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof or visit the southeast lawn.
Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, August 8, 2025 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Van Allen Hall
Please join the University of Iowa Physics & Astronomy Department as we use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the summer sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof or visit the southeast lawn.