Students who have an interest in astronomy are encouraged to take advanced course work in the math and the physical sciences and talk to Dr. John Martin about engaging in a research project.
Here are students who have worked with Dr. Martin and the topics which they worked on.
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program, Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Sangamon Astronomical Society will host a special Star Party to view the annual Perseid meteor shower.
WHEN: 8-10 p.m. Saturday, August 12, 2023
WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield
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 2026 are September 4, 11, 18, and 25 and October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 8-10 p.m.
Note that these events are all weather dependent. See below for information about cloudy weather.
There are two specially themed star party events in Fall 2026
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Astronomy-Physics Program, Lincoln Memorial Garden and the Sangamon Astronomical Society will host a special Star Party to view the annual Perseid meteor shower.
WHEN: 8:30-10 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2022
WHERE: Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield
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.
Since 1976, UIS Star Parties have welcomed 50,000 – 100,000 people to the wonders of the universe. These events are one of the very few *free* science education programs for kids and families in Central Illinois. We need your support to sustain the program’s excellence.