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 8:00 PM (9:30 PM in the summer), 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

Fall Lecture Series 2025

September 19: The Sky (Fall & Winter)

September 26: Drake Municipal Observatory: A Century of Public Astronomy

October 3: The Herschels: A Remarkable Family

October 10: Are We Inside a Gigantic Black Hole?

October 17: The Hubble Tension: Why is Hubble So Tense?

October 24: The History of Spectroscopy: Guest Speaker Dr. Robinson Yost

October 31: Open Topic Night

November 7: Extraterrestrials: Where Are They?

Special Events with Community Collaborators

Science Center of Iowa Star Party at Drake Municipal Observatory

Friday, October 3, 2025 8:00-10:00 PM

Experience out-of-this-world space observation! Join Science Center of Iowa staff and star gazing guides to take a look through high-powered telescopes at the planets - including a chance to see Mercury!

This event is free and open to explorers of all ages.

Activities and telescopes will be set up at the Drake Municipal Observatory (4898 Observatory Rd, Des Moines, IA) from 8-10 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Solar & Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website for updates on the event.