The Van Allen Observatory is owned and operated by the University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy. It is stationed on the roof of Van Allen Hall in Iowa City and is open to students and community members as it is used for undergraduate astronomical laboratories and public outreach. 

Public Observing Nights at the Van Allen Observatory are held 12 times a year, though this can vary. Members of the public are invited to join the University of Iowa Physics & Astronomy Department as they use the Van Allen Observatory and small telescopes to tour the night sky.

In addition to Public Observing Nights, the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department Hawk-Eyes in Space outreach program holds other Van Allen Observatory tours and outreach events throughout the year, both openly advertised and closed for private groups.

Cost

No cost

Eligibility

Public Observing Nights are open to everyone