NIU Observatory

Mars Night at NIU

On Saturday, March 3, the NIU Observatory will host “Mars Night at NIU” to celebrate the opposition (closest approach) of Mars.  To mark this event, we will give a brief talk discussing current knowledge of Mars and current Mars exploration.  The talk will begin at 7pm.  Immediately afterwards, the NIU Observatory will be open (until 11pm) for observations of Mars and other objects.  This event is free and open to everyone of all ages.

Learn the Spring Constellations at NIU

On Saturday, April 28, the NIU Observatory will present “Learn the Spring Constellations at NIU!”  We will meet at 8pm to present current sky maps and introduce major spring constellations and planets.  Immediately afterwards, we will go outside to learn to locate these objects in the sky.  The Observatory will then be open for public viewing until 11pm.  This event is free and open to all.

The Transit of Venus

On Tuesday, June 5, the NIU Observatory will observe an extremely rare astronomical event, a transit of Venus.  Venus will transit the Sun, meaning that the planet Venus will be observed crossing the face of the Sun.  The NIU Observatory will be open from 3pm-12 midnight to observe this event.  Don't miss it, the next transit of Venus will be 105 years from now!  This event is free and all are welcome.

Observatory Open Thursdays and Fridays

One of the best-kept secrets at NIU is the Davis Hall observatory, which overlooks the East Lagoon.

The primary goal of the Observatory is to serve as an educational resource for NIU students and the northern Illinois community. The public is invited to visit the Observatory whenever NIU is in session. You can also check out the video produced by the Northern Star.

Photos of the so-called Super Moon of March 18, 2011.

There was a special event for families Capturing the Colorful Cosmos on September 12 and 19 of 2009. Another special event to try and observe a lunar impact occurred on October 9, 2009.

Location

Davis Hall Room 703
Normal & Locust Rds.
DeKalb, IL 60115

Davis Hall is located on Normal Rd., about one block north of Lincoln Highway. After 7:00 p.m. parking is available in the parking garage located kitty-corner from Davis Hall.

Take the Davis Hall elevator up to the 5th floor, go left to the end of the hallway, go right to the end of hallway and through the door, where you will find a staircase. Follow the signs up the staircase to Room 703.