Stargazers and space explorers, take note. After a three-year break due to COVID-19, the Davis Hall Observatory is open again and inviting NIU and the surrounding community to join its cosmic celebration.

Imagine a comfortable evening under the night sky with Jeremy Benson, physics department observatory manager, as your guide.

“If you are interested in astronomy, astronomy is about watching interstellar objects, like the moon, the stars in the universe and the galaxies,” said Hari Adhikari, a graduate student in the Department of Physics. “You can see images very close with the telescope rather than by seeing them with the naked eye.”

For students with dreams of STEM careers, a visit to the observatory can be transformative. It provides a glimpse into potential paths in fields such as astronomy, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and science education.

For others, observing the night sky can be a calming and meditative experience. It encourages patience, focus and the ability to disconnect from digital distractions.

Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or a first-time telescope user, this is a chance to explore the universe. There’s something ethereal about seeing the galaxy through the observatory’s telescope, compared to our digital screens.

To get to the observatory, take the elevator or the stairs to the fifth floor of Davis Hall, where posted signs will direct you to a second set of stairs that lead up to the observatory.

The observatory has a retractable roof that can open to expose the sky. As the nights turn colder with the changing of the seasons, dressing in layers is recommended.

The observatory welcomes all students and the community from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.

Students should take this opportunity to explore beyond textbooks and lectures. The Davis Hall Observatory opens doors to discovery, connection and wonder. The stars have aligned for a break from routine to an experience that broadens your horizons.