The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program will host three virtual star parties via Zoom. The virtual star parties will be held at 8 p.m. on March 11, April 9 and May 13.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for identifying planets and constellations and answer astronomy questions submitted live. When the weather allows there will be live views of the Moon and other objects through the telescope including the Great Orion Nebula (March 11), star cluster M35 (April 9) and bright galaxies (May 13).

The events can be viewed on Zoom. Additional information is posted on the Astronomy-Physics Program's website and @UISObservatory on Twitter. Participants are encouraged to follow the Twitter account for updates and possible changes.

Since 1980, thousands of people of all ages have enjoyed UIS’ popular star parties hosted by the Astronomy-Physics Program.

For more information on star parties, contact John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu.