The University of Illinois Springfield’s Astronomy-Physics program is giving the public three unique opportunities to explore and learn about the wonders of space.

Friday Night Star Parties will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 8 to 10 p.m. on March 15 and April 19, weather permitting, at the UIS Campus Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.

Star parties are free and open to the public. No reservations are required; walk-ups are welcome. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The star party entrance to the campus observatory is located outside Brookens Library on the southeast corner of the building.

Star parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy-physics. During the events, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a variety of celestial objects including the moon, the planet Jupiter, the Orion Nebula and various star clusters.

Star Parties may be canceled due to cloudy weather. Questions about the weather should be directed to 217-206-8342 on the evening of the star party. Weather updates will also be posted on the UIS Observatory’s X account (@UISObservatory) and Martin’s Instagram account (@SPIAstroGuy).

For more information, visit the Star Parties website. Accessibility questions should be directed to Martin before the event at jmart5@uis.edu or 217-206-8342.