Official UIS News
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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. The dates are Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Oct. 3, 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.
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy 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 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12
WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield
Official UIS News
UIS to celebrate National Astronomy Day and host accessible stargazing event May 3-4
The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will host two astronomy events the weekend of May 3-4, offering the public an opportunity to explore the night sky. The first event will be held in celebration of National Astronomy Day. The second is an accessible star party designed for individuals with limited mobility.
Official UIS News
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return this spring
The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Star Parties will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. on March 7 and April 4, weather permitting, at the UIS Campus Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.
Official UIS News
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return after Labor Day
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. The dates are Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.
Official UIS News
UIS Astronomy-Physics program invites the public to attend Friday Night Star Parties
The University of Illinois Springfield’s Astronomy-Physics program is giving the public three unique opportunities to explore and learn about the wonders of space.
Spring Star Parties
Spring Star Party Events in 2026
This is the page for Star Parties held once a month at the Campus Observatory during the spring semester. Spring star parties at the campus observatory are accessed through the Star Party entrance (exterior door) on the southeast corner of Brookens Library.
We do not normally reservations for Spring Star Parties. Walk-ups will be admitted on a first come first serve basis. But if you plan to attend with a larger group, please contact us to help us accomodate you.
Official UIS News
UIS to host a partial solar eclipse watch party
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program and the UIS Astronomy Interest Group will host a partial solar eclipse watch party. The event is free and open to the public.
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14
WHERE: UIS quad by the colonnade
Official UIS News
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 Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 and Oct. 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.
Astronomy Research Students
Student Research in Astronomy
Students who have an interest in astronomy are encouraged to take advanced course work in the math and the physical sciences and talk to Dr. John Martin about engaging in a research project.
Here are students who have worked with Dr. Martin and the topics which they worked on.