Upcoming Events

Astronomy Public Talk - John Momberg; Graduate Student; Department of Physics and Astronomy promotional image

Astronomy Public Talk - John Momberg; Graduate Student; Department of Physics and Astronomy

Friday, March 20, 2026 7:30pm to 8:00pm
Van Allen Hall

Please join us for the Astronomy Public Talk series, where we host short, accessible talks on a wide range of astronomy and physics-related topics—free and open to the public! This event will feature a presentation by UI Physics and Astronomy graduate student John Momberg, who will explore how astronomers have historically used variable stars—particularly Cepheids—to measure cosmic distances and ultimately determine the size and scale of the universe.

A public observing session at the Van Allen...

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, March 20, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Van Allen Hall

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

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, April 3, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Van Allen Hall

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

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, April 17, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Van Allen Hall

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

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, May 1, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Van Allen Hall

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

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory promotional image

Public Observing Night - Van Allen Observatory

Friday, May 15, 2026 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Van Allen Hall

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

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Public Observing Nights at the VAO are typically held at least twice a month from March-October. Specifically, on the dates above, please join the University of Iowa Physics & Astronomy Department as we use the VAO and small telescopes to explore the night sky. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Andi Swirbul in advance at 319-335-2147 or andi-swirbul@uiowa.edu.

Emeritus Professor Robert Mutel tours guests through the observatory.