Please note that due to summer 2024 Van Allen Hall roof renovations, the Van Allen Observatory will be closed for summer 2024; Public Observing Nights will not be held in summer 2024.

Public Observing Nights at the VAO are held 12 times a year, usually 8-10PM two Fridays in March, April, June, July, September, and October (9-11PM June and July), though this can vary. Specifically, on the dates above, please join the University of Iowa Physics & Astronomy Department as we use the VAO and small telescopes to tour 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.