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

Maker Breaks at the Sciences Library: Pi Day Celebration!

Monday, March 9, 2026 11:30am to 1:00pm
Sciences Library

Take a break and get creative with monthly, themed crafts. Each activity takes only 10 to 20 minutes. Stop by at any time during the 1.5-hour session and explore your creativity!

Celebrate circles and the magic of Pi! Make your own Pi-themed buttons.

Nuclear & Particle Physics Seminar - Sarah Choate & Dylan Blend; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Iowa promotional image

Nuclear & Particle Physics Seminar - Sarah Choate & Dylan Blend; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Iowa

Monday, March 9, 2026 2:30pm to 3:20pm
Van Allen Hall
Nuclear & Particle Physics Seminar
Physics & Astronomy Seminar - Dr. Drew Miles; Assistant Research Professor, Caltech promotional image

Physics & Astronomy Seminar - Dr. Drew Miles; Assistant Research Professor, Caltech

Monday, March 9, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm
Van Allen Hall
Physics & Astronomy Seminar