DeKALB – After its construction in the early 1960s, the observatory at NIU has been used for public and student outreach, allowing them to admire the countless planets, stars and galaxies.
Located in Davis Hall, the observatory has multiple telescopes visitors can use to view the night sky.
The observatory’s hours depend on the weather, but heading into the spring semester, that may change. Jeremy Benson, a laboratory manager in the physics department, explained the possible change in hours.
“In the past, we have been open on Wednesdays, weather permitting,” Benson said. “We are looking at this semester, I think we are going to be open rain or shine.”
On days when the weather is too harsh for clear viewing, the observatory plans to host presentations and other activities to keep guests engaged.
The current hours for the observatory are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, however, this is subject to change.
“The sun will start setting later and later, and we’ll get to a point where 6 p.m. is too early to start,” Benson said. “So we will adjust the hours again in the spring.”
The observatory offers multiple events throughout the semester including – but not limited to – a trip to the Yerkes Observatory on April 25 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and a lunar eclipse viewing on March 3 at the NIU Observatory.
Visiting the observatory is free and does not require any form of registration. Updates and upcoming events can be found on the observatory Facebook.
