NIU Observatory
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 for telescope viewing whenever NIU is in session. Viewing is free and the public is welcome. You can also check out the video produced by the Northern Star.
Summer under the Stars
Free public viewing nights at NIU's Davis Hall Observatory are scheduled for July 25 and August 4, 2012. Check out this link for more information.
Some photos taken at the Observatory:
Jupiter in color, closeup:
Jupiter with moons:
Orion nebula:
Saturn:
Sea of Tranquility on the Moon (site of first moon landing):
The Transit of Venus
On Tuesday, June 5, the NIU Observatory observed an extremely rare astronomical event, a transit of Venus. This means that the planet Venus was observed crossing the face of the Sun:
See articles from the Midweek and NIU Today.
See also PHYS 162 (Astronomy) honors project photos, and photos of the so-called Super Moon of March 18, 2011.
Observatory Hours and Location
The observatory is open the following hours when NIU is in session:
Thursday and Friday, 7 to 11 p.m.
During the summer or over winter break, public viewing is by appointment; contact the managers or the Physics Department.
While the observatory will be open on cloudy days, it is much better to visit when the skies are clear.
The Observatory is located at:
Davis Hall Room 703
Normal & Locust Rds.
DeKalb, IL 60115
Davis Hall is 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.
Contact Information
Observatory Manager:
Matt Wiesner
E-mail:
Observatory Phone:
(815) 753-1305
Physics Dept Phone:
(815) 753-1772
