Astronomy, the science of the stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes, fascinates people of all ages. It is the oldest science, yet it is also the most intriguing because the study of astronomy will help to answer the most important questions human beings can ask:
Do you wonder what other students think about the Astronomy Program?
Here are some students’ opinions of Prof John Martin, who teaches all of the Astronomy and Physics courses at UIS:
“I am convinced all of humanity is born with more gifts than we know. Most are born geniuses and just get de-geniused rapidly.”
For Star Party Information Call: (217) 206-8342
UIS Astronomy-Physics Program
Health & Science Building 314
University of Illinois Springfield
One University Plaza
Springfield, Illinois 62703
Phone: (217) 206-6589
Office: HSB 314
The goal of Astronomy-Physics in the Chemistry Department is to enhance society’s ability to understand the Universe through the application of scientific problem solving.
The following is an excerpt from a column by University of Illinois Springfield Associate Professor of Astronomy-Physics John Martin. This column appeared in The State Journal-Register on September 12, 2021.
Everyone living in central Illinois is familiar with the beauty of a star-filled night sky split in half by the Milky Way. Even those of us living in towns and cities full of lights have just a short distance to travel to take in awe-inspiring views.
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. 10, 17, and 24 and Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The Zoom link will be posted online.
Thursday July 12 is the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. We will hold a Star Party that night from 8:30-9.30 pm. We encourage you to join us from your own backyard watching the sky for meteors. We will share commentary about what we are seeing in the sky, answer live questions and, if weather permits, live views of the sky.
This event is free to join via Zoom and no reservation is required.
The next UIS virtual Star Party is 9-10 pm on Friday July 9. Everyone is invited to join us via Zoom for this free event. We will share what is up in the sky, answer live questions and, if weather permits, live views through the telescope.
For details visit the Summer Star Parties web page.
Click the button below to join us at the time of the event.
The University of Illinois Springfield's long-standing Star Parties have gone online, for now, to accommodate safe social distancing of participants.
