UIS announces spring and summer virtual star parties

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular star parties are returning as virtual events this spring and summer. The Astronomy-Physics Program is planning six virtual star parties at 7 p.m. March 12, 8 p.m. April 9, 8:30 p.m. May 14, June 11 and Aug. 12 and 9 p.m. July 9. 

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for identifying planets and constellations and answer astronomy questions submitted live.  When the weather allows there will be live views through the telescope of bright planets, nebula and star clusters. The event on Aug. 12 coincides with the peak of the Perseid Meteor shower.

The link for all the Zoom events is go.uis.edu/virtualstarparty. Additional information is posted at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates and information about what will be viewed at each event. The event will be capped at 300 people.

Please monitor the summer star parties website at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties or @UISObservatory on Twitter, for possible changes. 

For more information on summer star parties, contact John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu.

UIS’ popular Friday Night Star Parties to be held in a virtual format this fall due to COVID-19

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will be held in a virtual format this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants can watch the virtual star parties on Zoom from 8-9 p.m. on Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. The Zoom link will be posted at uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

Friday Night Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics. Each event will feature tips on how to find constellations and planets in the night sky and offer time to ask live questions. When the weather allows, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to provide live remote views of a number of celestial objects, including the planets Jupiter and Saturn, the Moon, the Ring Nebula, globular star clusters M13 and M15 and other double stars and star clusters.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Due to the virtual format, the star parties will be held regardless of the weather conditions.

Questions about Friday Night Star Parties should be directed to 217-206-8342, asp@uis.edu or direct messaged to the @UISObservatory on Twitter. For more information on star parties, follow the Observatory on Twitter or visit uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

UIS to hold a virtual Perseid meteor star party on August 11

The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a virtual star party for the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 11.

The star party was originally scheduled to be held in-person at Lincoln Memorial Garden, but will instead take place in an online format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for viewing the Perseid meteors, finding bright planets, the Summer Triangle, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in summer evening sky and answer astronomy questions submitted live. If weather permits there will also be live views of the night sky.

The link for the Zoom event will be posted at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates.

The UIS Astronomy-Physics Program will also be holding virtual star parties on Friday nights this fall. For more information, visit go.uis.edu/starparties or contact John Martin at 217-206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu. 

UIS to hold a virtual star party on June 27

The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a virtual star party live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27.

The star party was originally scheduled to be held in-person at Lincoln Memorial Garden, but will instead take place in an online format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for finding bright planets, the Summer Triangle, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in the summer evening sky and answer astronomy questions submitted live.

The link for the Zoom event will be posted at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates. The event will be capped at 300 connections.

The UIS Astronomy-Physics Program and the Sangamon Astronomical Society are planning an in-person Perseid Meteor Shower viewing party from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at Lincoln Memorial Garden.

Please monitor the summer star parties website at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties or @UISObservatory on Twitter for possible changes due to COVID-19 or weather conditions.

For more information on summer star parties, contact John Martin at 217-206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu.

UIS to hold a virtual star party on May 30

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a virtual star party live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8-9 p.m. Saturday, May 30.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for finding Venus, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in the late spring and early summer evening sky and answer astronomy questions submitted live.

The link for the Zoom event will be posted at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates. The event will be capped at 300 connections.

The UIS Astronomy-Physics Program and Sangamon Astronomical Society are also planning three other in-person star parties this summer from 8:30-10:30 p.m. June 27, July 25 and Aug. 11 (a special Perseid Meteor Shower viewing party) at Lincoln Memorial Garden, located on the shores of Lake Springfield.

Please monitor the summer star parties website at go.uis.edu/summerstarparties or @UISObservatory on Twitter, for possible changes to the in-person events due to COVID-19 or weather conditions.

For more information on summer star parties, contact John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu.

UIS Friday Night Star Parties to be held in a temporary location for the rest of the fall season

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will be held in a temporary location for the rest of the fall season. Star Parties will be held from 8-10 p.m. on Sept. 13, 20, and 27 and Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25, weather permitting, on the outside patio of the old Public Affairs Center (PAC) Food Emporium.

Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics. Multiple telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects, including the planets Jupiter and Saturn; the Moon, when visible; the Ring Nebula; globular star clusters M13 and M15 and other double stars and star clusters.

Fundraising is now underway for UIS Observatory renovations, including the redesign and replacement of the original deck, improved accessibility for people of all abilities and re-imagining the telescope enclosure. Individuals interested in donating towards the renovation effort can learn more at go.uis.edu/ASPFundraising.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required and groups are encouraged to attend. Star Parties begin with a welcome and a quick tour of the constellations in the night sky. Visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8-10 p.m.

Star Parties may be canceled due to cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217-206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter (@UISObservatory) for updates.

Anyone who has accessibility issues with regular Friday Star Parties should contact John Martin at 217-206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu about Accessible Star Parties. Learn more on the UIS Astronomy website at uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

UIS to co-host special Star Party viewing for Perseid meteor shower

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program, Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Sangamon Astronomical Society will host a special Star Party to view the annual Perseid meteor shower.

WHEN: 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2019

WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, Illinois

DETAILS: The Perseid meteor shower takes place annually in the beginning of August when the Earth passes through a stream of debris crossing the Earth’s orbit from the Swift-Tuttle. The 2019 shower is predicted to peak between August 11 and 13.

The Perseid meteor show is known for producing more fireball type meteors than any other meteor shower. In a dark location on any given night, between three and five meteors per hour can be spotted. During the peak of a shower, like the Perseids, there could be up to 60 meteors per hour.

People attending the event at Lincoln Memorial Garden should park in the spaces just off East Lake Shore Drive. Observing will be done in Crawley Meadow across the street from the nature center. Attendees are encouraged to wear bug repellant, dress appropriately for the weather and bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

The meteor viewing may be cancelled for cloudy weather. Questions about suitable weather viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 after 6 p.m. on August 13. Updates will also be posted on the UIS Observatory Twitter feed (@UISObservatory).

Please note that this event in on Monday, August 12. Some of the Star Parties posters printed and distributed have the wrong date on them.

For more information on UIS Star Parties, contact John Martin, UIS associate professor of Astronomy-Physics, at 217/206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu.

UIS Astronomy-Physics to host an Accessible Star Party for people with disabilities

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will host an Accessible Star Party for people with disabilities. This Star Party is intended for people who are not able to participate in a regular Friday Night Star Party and require extra consideration to attend a Star Party.

WHEN: Sunday, October 14, 2018, at 6:30 p.m.
(Weather make-up date Sunday, October 21, if needed)

WHERE: UIS Observatory, located on the roof of Brookens Library

DETAILS: Accessible Star Parties feature an out telescope designed to accommodate wheel chair access. The telescope has a fixed-focal point, so observers using wheelchairs can point the telescope at any direction in the sky without moving. This arrangement eliminates any need to bend over, kneel down or climb a ladder that is typical with other telescopes. The eyepiece is further arranged so that persons who have limited muscle control can comfortably use the instrument.

Reservations are required for the Accessible Star Party. Participants will use an elevator to reach the observatory on the roof of Brookens Library (not available during regular Friday Star Parties).

During the Star Party, participants can expect to view the Moon and the bright planets Saturn and Mars. Family and friends of people registered for the Accessible Star Party are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

This event is being held in addition to the regular public Friday Night Star Parties. For more information on Friday Night Star Parties visit, www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

For information about Accessible Star Parties, or to make a reservation for the October Accessible Star Party, contact John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, at 217/206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu or visit www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/disabilitysupport/.

UIS Friday Night Star Parties return in September

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume the Friday after Labor Day and run through the end of October. Those dates include: September 7, 14, 21 and 28 and October 5, 12, 19 and 26. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects, including the planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn; the Moon, when visible; the Ring Nebula; globular star clusters M13 and M15 and other double stars and star clusters.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8-10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter (@UISObservatory) for updates.

For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

UIS to co-host special Star Party viewing of the Perseid meteor shower

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program, Lincoln Memorial Garden, and the Sangamon Astronomical Society will host a special Star Party to view the annual Perseid meteor shower.

WHEN: Monday, August 13, 2018, from 8:30 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: The Perseid meteor shower takes place annually in the beginning of August when the Earth passes through a stream of debris crossing the Earth’s orbit from the Swift-Tuttle. The 2018 shower is predicted to peak between August 13 and August 14.

The Perseid meteor show is known for producing more fireball type meteors than any other meteor shower. In a dark location on any given night, between 3 and 5 meteors per hour can be spotted. During the peak of a shower like the Perseids there could be up to 60 meteors per hour.

People attending the event at Lincoln Memorial Garden should park in the spaces just off East Lake Shore Drive. Observing will be done in Crawley Meadow across the street from the nature center. Attendees are encouraged to wear bug repellant, dress appropriately for the weather and bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

The meteor viewing may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about suitable weather viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 after 7 p.m. on August 13. Updates will also be posted on the UIS Observatory Twitter feed (@UISObservatory).

For more information on UIS Star Parties, contact John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics, at 217/206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu.

UIS Speaker Series explores the endangered bee population as part of Sustainability Week

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series presents “Hope is the Thing with Little Clear Wings,” a Sustainability Week keynote presentation by natural history and conservation photographer Clay Bolt. This event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at 6 p.m.

WHERE: UIS Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library

DETAILS: Over the past 10 years, we've heard a lot about the shocking disappearance of honey bees. However, many people don't realize that North America is home to approximately 4,000 species of native bees that are irreplaceable pollinators with an extraordinary beauty all their own.

In 2013, Bolt set out on an adventure to meet, photograph and tell the stories of many of these beautiful, beneficial insects. Soon he came across a specimen of a rusty-patched bumble bee in a scientific collection and learned about its tragic decline. Determined to use his photography to create more awareness about the insect's demise, he worked with partners to create a film, which he then shared across the country on behalf of the bee, from small venues to a rare opportunity to present on Capitol Hill. In March, 2017 these efforts paid off, and the rusty-patched bumble bee became the first species of native North American bee to receive protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Bolt will share some of his favorite images and stories about native bees and talk about what people can do to make a difference in their lives.

Individuals with disabilities who anticipate the need for accommodations should contact the UIS Speaker Series Office at 217/206-8507 or speakerseries@uis.edu in advance. For a list of other upcoming ECCE Speaker Series events, visit www.uis.edu/speakerseries/.

UIS Friday Night Star Parties return in September

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume the Friday after Labor Day and run through the end of October. Those dates include: September 8, 15, 22, and 29 and October 6, 13, 20 and 27. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of Astronomy/Physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects, including the planets Jupiter and Saturn; the Moon, when visible; the Ring Nebula; globular star clusters M13 and M15 and other double stars and star clusters.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8-10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter (@UISObservatory) for updates. For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

UIS co-hosts special Star Party viewing of the Perseid meteor shower

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program and Lincoln Memorial Garden will host a special Star Party to view the annual Perseid meteor shower.

WHEN: Saturday, August 12, 2017, from 8 p.m. to Midnight

WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL

DETAILS: The Perseid meteor shower takes place annually in the beginning of August when the Earth passes through a stream of debris crossing the Earth’s orbit from the Swift-Tuttle. The 2017 shower is predicted to peak between August 11 and August 13.

The Perseid meteor show is known for producing more fireball type meteors than any other meteor shower. In a dark location on any given night, between 3 and 5 meteors per hour can be spotted. During the peak of a shower like the Perseid there could be up to 60 meteors per hour.

People attending the event at Lincoln Memorial Garden should park in the spaces just off East Lake Shore Drive. Observing will be done in Crawly Meadow across the street from the nature center. Attendees are encouraged to wear bug repellant, dress appropriately for the weather and bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

The meteor viewing may be cancelled for cloudy weather. Questions about suitable weather viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 after 7 p.m. on August 12. Updates will also be posted on the UIS Observatory Twitter feed (@UISObservatory). In the event of cloudy weather, John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics, will give a presentation about the August 21, 2017, solar eclipse. That presentation will begin at 8 p.m. in the nature center.

For more information on UIS Star Parties, contact John Martin, at 217/206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu.

UIS Friday Night Star Parties resume in March

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume in March. Those dates include: March 17, 24 and 31. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects including Mars, the Moon, the Great Nebula in Orion and other double stars and star clusters when visible.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8 and 10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter (@UISObservatory) for updates.

For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties.html.

UIS Friday Night Star Parties return in September

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume the Friday after Labor Day and run through the end of October. Those dates include: September 9, 16, 23, and 30 and October 7, 14, 21 and 28. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of Astronomy/Physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects, including the planets Saturn and Mars; the Moon, when visible; the Ring Nebula; globular star clusters M13 and M15 and other double stars and star clusters.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8-10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter  for updates.

For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

UIS partners to hold Perseid meteor shower viewing at Lincoln Memorial Garden

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield is partnering with Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Sangamon Astronomical Society to give members of the community a chance to view the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

WHEN: Friday, August 12, 2016 from 8 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lakeshore Drive, Springfield

DETAILS: The Perseid meteor shower is well known for producing frequent bright meteors annually during the second week in August.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics, and members of the Sangamon Astronomical Society will be on hand to guide observing of the meteors as well as the planets Mars and Saturn.

The viewing will take place in the Cawley Medow at Lincoln Memorial Garden. Participants should dress appropriately for the temperature and may want to wear bug repellant since the event is outdoors.

This event may be canceled due to clouds or rain. The status of the viewing can be checked by calling the UIS Astronomy Department at 217/206-8342 after 6 p.m. on the night of the event. The UIS Observatory will also provide updates on Twitter @UISObservatory.

For more information, contact John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics, at 217/206-8342 or jmart5@uis.edu.

UIS Friday Night Star Parties resume in April

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume in April. Those dates include: April 1, 8, 15 and 22. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, associate professor of Astronomy/Physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects including Jupiter, the Moon, the Great Nebula in Orion and other double stars and star clusters when visible.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8 and 10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter (@UISObservatory) for updates.

For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.

UIS Lunch & Learn Series presents "Medicine on the Prairie"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield’s Office of Advancement, Alumni SAGE Society, Chancellor’s Office and the Illinois State Historical Society presents “Medicine on the Prairie” as part of the Lunch and Learn Series.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Public Affairs Center (PAC) Conference Room C/D, located on the lower level of the PAC on the UIS campus.

DETAILS: A robust professional medical education and training program has spurred growth in high-quality healthcare, local business, education programs, and cultural diversity. Dr. Kevin Dorsey, dean and provost of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, will reflect on his tenure and offer a glimpse of the future of healthcare. Dr. Virginia Dolan, pediatrician, will speak on her experience as a medical student, her career path as a pediatrician and changes in the profession impacting women.

The cost for the hot buffet lunch and program is $23/per person. Reservations are requested, as seating is limited. Seating is available in the back for those who do not purchase the luncheon buffet.

These lunch-time programs are designed to stimulate thinking as they build upon the university's tradition of open and intelligent dialogue.

The Lunch & Learn Series will conclude for the semester on November 18 with “Vietnam: A Catalyst of Change”.

Visit www.uis.edu/advancement/alumni/ to register online. For more information, contact the UIS Office of Advancement at 217/206-6058 or email advancement@uis.edu.

UIS Friday Night Star Parties return in September

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume the Friday after Labor Day and run through the end of October. Those dates include: September 11, 18, 25 and October 2, 9, 16 and 23. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

In addition to the regular Friday Night Star Parties, there will also be one bonus Star Party this fall on Sunday, September 27 from 7 to 10 p.m. (weather permitting) in order to view the start of a total lunar eclipse.

Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of Astronomy/Physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects, including the planet Saturn; the Moon, when visible; the Ring Nebula; globular star clusters M13 and M15; and other double stars and star clusters.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8-10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter (@UISObservatory) for updates.

For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties.html.

UIS Friday Night Star Parties resume April 10th

The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Friday Night Star Parties will resume in April. Those dates include: April 10, 17, and 24. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

Star Parties are hosted by Dr. John C. Martin, associate professor of Astronomy/Physics. The observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a number of celestial objects including Jupiter, the Moon, the Great Nebula in Orion and other double stars and star clusters when visible.

A typical Star Party begins with a presentation as visitors ascend the stairs to the observatory, learning about galaxies, the sun and stars along the way. On the roof observation deck visitors are invited to view the skies through telescopes and ask questions. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave as they wish between 8 and 10 p.m.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required and groups are encouraged to attend. The entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star Parties may be canceled for cloudy weather. Questions about whether the weather is suitable for viewing should be directed to 217/206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of the Star Party. Participants may also follow the UIS Observatory on Twitter (@UISObservatory) for updates.

For more information on Star Parties, email John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit http://www.uis.edu/astronomy/about/starparties/.