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 2025

March 21^st         Loose Ends and Unexploded Stars

March 28^th         Via Lattea: Our Island in the Universe

April 4^th                 Are We There Yet: Measuring Distance in Space

April 11^th             Moons: Worlds Onto Themselves

April 18^th             History of Astrophotography: Recording The Universe

April 25^th             Annie Cannon: Harvard Calculator and Astronomer

May 2^nd                 Everything You Always Wanted to Know About * (But Were Afraid to Ask)

May 9^th                  Black Holes: Do They Exist?