Friday Night Star Parties Continue Throughout October

The University of Illinois Springfield will continue its Friday Night Star Parties throughout October, giving members of the public an opportunity to view the night sky from the UIS Observatory.

October Star Parties are scheduled for Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Each event will be held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

The events are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy and physics. During the Star Parties, visitors will use the observatory’s telescopes to view celestial objects such as the moon, Jupiter, the Orion Nebula and star clusters.

The Oct. 9 Star Party will be held as part of UIS Homecoming Weekend. The observatory will remain open that evening for tours of the facility and its educational displays even if weather conditions prevent telescope viewing.

Friday Night Star Parties are free and open to the public. No registration is required, and walk-up visitors are welcome. The entrance to the observatory is located outside Brookens Library at the southeast corner of the building.

Visitors with accessibility needs may contact Martin for information about Accessible Star Parties.

Because telescope viewing depends on weather conditions, Star Parties may be canceled due to cloudy skies. Those planning to attend can call 217-206-8342 at 7 p.m. on the evening of each event to check whether conditions are suitable for viewing. Updates are also available through @UISObservatory on Bluesky and Martin’s Instagram account, @SPIAstroGuy.

For more information about the Friday Night Star Parties, contact Martin at jmart5@uis.edu or visit go.uis.edu/starparties.