The UIS Astronomy program hosts in-person Friday Night Star Parties at the UIS Campus Observatory 8-10 pm on Friday nights in September and October.

The Star Party on October 17 occurs during UIS Homecoming Weekend so we will have the observatory open for people to walk through even if the weather is not good for telescope observing.

A Star Party is an open house at the Campus Observatory with the telescopes to share enjoyment of the night sky. The events are free and open for everyone including students, employees and community members. Walk-ups are encouraged and welcome.  People can come and go as they please any time between 8 - 10 pm.

Telescope viewing at the event is are weather dependent and may be called for clouds or rain. Call 217/206-8342 on the evening of the event or check our Twitter feed (@UISObservatory) or Dr Martin's Instagram for weather information. On October 17 the Campus Observatory will be open to walk through and see the displays even if we cannot do telescope viewing.

A full list of dates and information can be found at the Star Parties Web Site.

The UIS Campus Observatory is on the roof of Brookens Library, accessible through an exterior door labeled "Observatory" on the southeast corner of the building. If you are at the front of the library facing the UIS Fountain and Sangamon Auditorium, put your left hand on the wall of the library building and walk about a third of the way around the outside of the building to the Observatory entrance. Be prepared for four flights of stairs to reach the observatory on the roof.