Friends of the University of Illinois Observatory

05/21/2026

Changes happening to our neighbor https://www.facebook.com/share/1VUpaRjAWk/

05/04/2026

This exam season in academia. Here is an astronomy exam from 1893 - 8 questions and 2 hours 30 minutes to complete! And the hand writting is beautiful!

04/28/2026

Summer camp opportunity!

Do you know a high school student curious about the universe?

Join Illinois Astronomy for a FREE summer camp for students entering grades 10–12! No experience needed!

- Observe with our historic telescope
- Learn the basics of coding
- Explore how astronomers study the universe

July 13–16 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Applications are open now and close at the end of May!

Apply here: https://apps.atlas.illinois.edu/FormBuilderSurvey/Survey/las/astronomy/summer_camp_in_astronomy_2026/

04/24/2026

The exterior rehabilitation has begun! The dome will be cleaned, repaired, and painted white, the transit shutter for the east-central transit room will be made functional, and the south observing deck will return!

04/17/2026

Excellent blog from a journalism student about looking up.

Sometimes, all it takes is looking up.

In this student-written blog, a journalism major shares how passing by the University of Illinois Observatory—and taking a chance on an astronomy class—sparked a new passion and rekindled a connection to home beneath the night sky.

From long-exposure photos behind the observatory to a breathtaking first glimpse of Saturn’s rings, it’s a reminder that curiosity can lead you somewhere unexpected.

Read the full story and see how astronomy continues to inspire across disciplines: https://las.illinois.edu/blog/2026-03-12/astronomy-makes-spectacular-stories

04/14/2026

A few pictures from last weekends Engineering Open House.

03/07/2026

The clouds parted just in time for the open house, featuring Jupiter. Another well run and engaging event hosted by the UIAS.

02/14/2026

Now is your chance to help the Friends rennovate the interior of the Observatory. Donate now as part of Orange and Blue days and the directors of the Friends will match your donation!

Join me by making a gift as we go Orange & Blue for the Illinois Observatory!

01/16/2026

From the University's Facilities and Services Fall newsletter.

01/02/2026

Happy Perihelion Day!

Earth is closest to the Sun two weeks after the December solstice and farthest from the Sun two weeks after the June Solstice.