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. Matt Finley; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Iowa promotional image

Physics & Astronomy Seminar - Dr. Matt Finley; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Iowa

Friday, October 30, 2026 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Van Allen Hall
Physics & Astronomy Colloquium
Physics & Astronomy Colloquium - Dr. Emily Witt; Department of Physics & Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University promotional image

Physics & Astronomy Colloquium - Dr. Emily Witt; Department of Physics & Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University

Monday, November 2, 2026 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Van Allen Hall
Physics & Astronomy Colloquium
Joint Nuclear & Particle Physics/Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar - Dr. Caprice Phillips; University of California, Santa Cruz promotional image

Joint Nuclear & Particle Physics/Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar - Dr. Caprice Phillips; University of California, Santa Cruz

Monday, November 2, 2026 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Van Allen Hall
Joint Nuclear & Particle Physics/Astrophysics & Space Physics Seminar