As a key component of your Astronomy lab is to learn about and gain an appreciation for observing the night sky and astronomical objects, Clear Skies observation nights are held on select Sunday-Thursday nights in the first half of the semester. For Clear Skies, you may instead attend a Department of Physics and Astronomy Public Observing Night (dates and times listed below and here). Take notes the night of the observation and complete the worksheet provided.

You must register for the Clear Skies event of your choice by emailing the Astronomy Laboratory Coordinator Dr. Caroline Roberts from your UI email (caroline-roberts@uiowa.edu) stating the date you are signing up for. A day or so in advance of the date you signed up for, you will be sent an email confirming the details of your observation. Some Clear Skies nights may be cancelled for various reasons, including weather; you will receive an email if your Clear Skies is cancelled. Clear Skies enrollment numbers may be capped. Sign up for a Clear Skies night sufficiently far enough in advance that if it is cancelled, you still have time in the semester to attend a second night that still has availability.

 

FALL 2023 Clear Skies Dates

Date Time Type
Friday, September 22 8-9PM Clear Skies
Tuesday, October 3 9-10PM Clear Skies
Sunday, October 8 9-10PM Clear Skies
Friday, October 13 8-9PM Public Observing Night
Saturday, October 14 11AM-12PM Public Observing Day (Partial Annular Solar Eclipse)*
Thursday, October 19 8-9PM Clear Skies
Friday, October 20 8-9PM Public Observing Night
Wednesday, October 25 8-9PM Clear Skies
Friday, October 27 8-9PM Public Observing Night
Monday, October 30 7-8PM Clear Skies

*Note: This observation will not occur on the Van Allen Hall roof, but on the east Pentacrest.