Van Allen Observatory

04/16/2026

Due to extreme weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow night, we are postponing this talk and Public Observing. Please stay home and stay safe!

03/24/2026

Many thanks to all those who joined us last Friday night for John Momberg's talk on Variable Stars and for Public Observing. While the weather still wasn't the best, we were pleased to have such a great turn out!

Future astronomy public talks will be hosted from 7:30-8pm in Van Allen Hall's LR2 prior to Public Observing.

03/07/2026

Our view of the stars might have gotten clouded out tonight, but we had a great time hearing about Lookback Time from graduate student John Silva!

Join us again in two weeks for the next astronomy public talk and hopefully some clearer weather!

11/18/2025

Amazing views of the aurora borealis last week here in Iowa City!

Photo credit 📷:
1,2 - Kevin Hall
3,4 - Sarah Henderson
5,6 - Jodie McLennan
7,8 - Meredith LeFevre
9,10 - Sydney Tune
11, 12 - Henry Prager

10/09/2025

Join us this Friday for another night of cosmic wonder! Follow the signs in Van Allen Hall to the roof to join this stargazing session.

09/30/2025

Join us this Saturday from 8-10pm to learn all about Earth's only natural satellite, the Moon! We will use the VAO and small telescopes to observe the Moon, as well as the rest of the fall sky.

09/24/2025

Looking for Friday plans before or after the Homecoming Parade? We got you covered! Stop by Van Allen Hall before the parade to learn about Iowa's contributions to space exploration over the past 8 decades, and after the parade for a night of Public Observing!🌌

09/12/2025

Hi all, unfortunately the weather is not cooperating and we will have to call off tonight's observation session due to the rain!

09/11/2025

09/06/2025

Great views from tonight's observing session! From left to right: Dumbell Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and Eagle Nebula.

Taken by UI Physics and Astronomy grad student