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

Special Event

FEBRUARY 20th event has been postponed to next week, February 27th, due to the weather.

February 27th- Trial Winter Public Night starting at 7:30

Spring Lecture Series 2026

March 13^th   Vera Rubin Observatory

March 20^th   Exo-Planets:  Ethan Beacom (Science Center of Iowa)

March 27^th   AI in Astronomy: Dr. Laura Yost (University of Iowa)

April 3rd       Women in Astronomy: JoAnn Cogil  (DMAS)

April 10^th     Comets: Mystery and Madness

April 17^th     Cosmology: Everything There Is

April 24^th     Open Topic

May 1^st        Cosmology Part 2: More Everything

May 8^th       Mars Exploration: Landers, Rovers & Helicopters

May 15^th       Telescopes: Infinite Knowledge Through Infinite Diversity

Special Events with Community Collaborators

Science Center of Iowa Star Party at Drake Municipal Observatory

June 26th, September 18th, and October 23rd

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!

These events are 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.