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

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.
Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar - Tamar Ervin; Physics PhD Student, UC Berkeley promotional image

Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar - Tamar Ervin; Physics PhD Student, UC Berkeley

Friday, September 18, 2026 2:15pm to 3:30pm
Van Allen Hall
Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar

Maker Break: Fold Into Fall – An Origami Leaf Craft

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 11:30am to 1:00pm
Sciences Library
Drop in anytime for a fun, themed craft that takes just 10–20 minutes and explore your creativity.