Friday Night Star Party Events in 2025
Friday night Star Parties are held at the Campus Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library on Friday nights in September and October. The dates for Friday night star parties in 2025 are September 5, 12, 19, and 10 and October 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Note that these events are all weather dependent. See below for information about cloudy weather.
Can I pre-register for Star Parties?
Star Parties are free and open for everyone. Generally we just do walk-ups and it is rare that we run up to the limit of people whom we can have on the roof at one time.
But if you are planning to bring a larger group (i.e. a scout group) you can contact Dr. Martin (jmart5@uis.edu, 217-206-8342) make sure there is space for your group on the night you plan to attend.
For general questions about Friday Night Star Parties call 217-206-8342.
Or check our BlueSky feed UISbservatory.bsky.social, X/Twitter feed @UISObservatory and on Dr. Martin's Instagram
What do you do if it is cloudy?
We need clear skies to show you the stars at Star Party. People who are registered in advance for Star Parties will be notified if there is a change in plans because of the weather. We will try our best to give notice of a change no latter than 7 p.m.
There will also be a phone message at the number 217-206-8342 after 7:00 PM on the night of the Star Party.
Or you can get information and updates from our Twitter feed @UISObservatory and Dr. Martin's Instagram.
Stairs, Ladders & Bathrooms
Everyone attending a Star Party at the campus observatory should be advised that there are four(4) flights of stairs to climb to the roof. There is also a short 5 foot tall ladder to climb to get into the 14-inch telescope dome.
There are also NO convenient bathrooms near the Campus Observatory.
We apologize for inconvenience this may cause and want you to know that we do offer an accessible star party option, just not during regular Friday Night Star Parties. See below for more information.
Is there elevator access to the Campus Observatory for a Friday Night Star Parties?
For in person Star Parties at the campus observatory: No, not during a Friday Night Star Party. Visitors to a Friday Night Star Party must be able to climb up and down four flights of stairs AND climb a short 5 ft ladder up to the main telescope dome. If you or a loved one that wants to attend a Star Party has trouble with stairs or ladders you should call 217-206-8342 and ask about our Sunday Night Star Parties for people with disabilities. Those Star Parties are fully accessible and require no stair or ladder climbing.
Are regular Friday Star Parties accessible?
If you are interested and you want to attend an accessible Star Party sometime in the future you are encouraged to express your interest. Please contact John Martin (217-206-8342) about Sunday Night accessible Star Parties.
Where is the UIS Campus Observatory?
The Campus observatory is on the roof of Brookens Library. The entry to the observatory is on the southeast corner of the building. If you are at the front of the building facing the UIS fountain, put your left hand on the building and walk about one third of the way around it to a door clearly marked “Observatory” which will be open for the event. The observatory is through that door and up five flights of stairs to the roof. Brookens Library is building #1 on the campus map. The door for the observatory is on the southeast corner (lower right on the map) of the building. We suggest parking in Lot B or Lot C.
