Public Events

Drake University hosts public educational lectures at the Municipal Observatory each Fall, Spring, and Summer term.

Read on for details on upcoming lectures.

Visitors can expect an Astronomy lesson followed by stargazing with expert guidance. Lectures begin at 8 PM, regardless of weather. Sky Viewing begins at dark if clear conditions. Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Drake Physics & Astronomy to request accommodations. Admission is free and open to all! 

Previous recorded lectures are available on YouTube.

If you have questions or comments regarding public nights please contact:  Herb.folsom@drake.edu

Or call Drake Physics & Astronomy department at 515-271-3141. 

Spot the International Space Station: Sighting Opportunities

Spring Lecture Series

March 24^th:  JWST: To Boldly See Where No Telescope Has Seen Before

March 31^st :  Universe of Glass:  Computers Categorize the Stars

April 7^th :       A Star’s Tale:  Stellar Development and the HR Diagram

April 14^th :    White Dwarfs:  A Peaceful End…If…

April 21^st :     Neutron Stars:  Lighthouses & Roadmaps

April 28^th :    Black Holes:  Singularly Weird

May 5^th :        History of The Big Bang:  Einstein vs. Lemaitre

May 12^th :      MYSTERY TOPIC