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

Biology Career Seminar: The Long Road and Why It's Worth It: Becoming a Physician-Scientist promotional image

Biology Career Seminar: The Long Road and Why It's Worth It: Becoming a Physician-Scientist

Monday, November 16, 2026 5:00pm
Virtual
Biology Career Seminar: The Long Road and Why It's Worth It: Becoming a Physician-Scientist

Graduate & Professional Students: Let's Do Lunch!

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 11:30am to 1:30pm
Sciences Library
Bring your academic interests to the table and engage with fellow graduate and professional students in a casual, supportive environment.
Physics and Astronomy Thesis Defense Seminar - Yuanzheng Wen promotional image

Physics and Astronomy Thesis Defense Seminar - Yuanzheng Wen

Thursday, November 19, 2026 9:00am
Van Allen Hall