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 Seminar - Dr. Ed Thiemann; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado promotional image

Physics & Astronomy Seminar - Dr. Ed Thiemann; Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado

Friday, November 6, 2026 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Van Allen Hall
Physics & Astronomy Seminar
Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, November 6, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Van Allen Hall

Please join the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy department as we use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the fall sky. To attend this Astronomy observation session, follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the east elevator to reach the roof.

Plasma Physics Seminar - Professor John Goree; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Iowa promotional image

Plasma Physics Seminar - Professor John Goree; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Iowa

Monday, November 9, 2026 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Van Allen Hall
Plasma Physics Seminar