Since 1980, thousands of people of all ages have come to the UIS observatory for Friday Night Star Parties, as well as for special astronomical events such as lunar and solar eclipses and comets.
Star Parties are free and open for everyone. But registration is required. You are encouraged to register in advance. Walk-ups will be able to register at the door when there is space to accommodate them.
Friday night Star Parties are held at the Campus Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library on Friday nights in September and October. The dates for Friday night star parties in 2026 are September 4, 11, 18, and 25 and October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 8-10 p.m.
Note that these events are all weather dependent. See below for information about cloudy weather.
There are two specially themed star party events in Fall 2026
Charlie's Night (September 4)
The first star party of the season on Friday September 4 is "Charlie's Night" held in honor of the founder of UIS Star Parties, Charlie Schweighauser. The evening will feature a special display of pictures and artifacts celebrating Charlie's legacy with Star Parties and astronomy education. The observatory will be open for people to see the displays even if the weather does not permit telescope viewing.
Tsukimi Harvest Moon Star Party (September 25)
The Star Party on Friday, September 25 will be the first annual Tsukimi Harvest Moon Star Party in memory of Denyce Gammell and sponsored by Dr. Marjorie Wallé, Ed.D. Tsukimi translates as “Moon viewing.” It is a traditional Japanese autumn harvest celebration around the time of the Full Moon closest to the fall equinox (also known as the Harvest Moon). Telescope viewing and activities that evening will be Moon themed and focused.