“Universe in the Park” Announces Summer 2025 Schedule

“Universe in the Park”
2025 Summer Telescope
Observing Program

The Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics has announced the “Universe in the Park” telescope observing program on Friday and Saturday evenings this summer, starting July 11 & 12, 2025.

Date Day Venue
July 11 Friday Lake Maria State Park
July 12 Saturday Eastman Nature Center
July 18 Friday Gooseberry Falls State Park
July 19 Saturday Tettegouche State Park
July 25 Friday Afton State Park
July 26 Saturday Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
August 1 Friday Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul site
August 2 Saturday Eastman Nature Center
August 8 Friday Lake Maria State Park
August 9 Saturday Afton State Park
August 15 Friday Lake Louise State Park
August 16 Saturday Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park
August 22 Friday Dodge Nature Center, Cottage Grove site
August 23 Saturday Wild River State Park
August 29 Friday Lake Maria State Park
August 30 Saturday Wild River State Park

These star-gazing evenings at Minnesota parks and nature centers are presented in association with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Three Rivers Park District, and the Dodge Nature Center not-for-profit organization.

The events are free to the public, but a vehicle permit is usually required to enter the parks.

The Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics, part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering, hopes to convey the excitement of astronomical research and amateur astronomy.

Each viewing evening begins with a short talk and slide show, and questions from the audience are encouraged. After the presentation, if weather allows, attendees will be able to view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes. Free star maps from Skymaps.com will be available.

Presentations will cover a wide variety of astronomical topics, including the history of matter, the solar system, galaxies, and how astronomers “see” outside the visible spectrum.

Presentations typically run from 8:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., including telescope observing.

Universe in the Park is headed by University of Minnesota faculty member Ben Margalit and graduate student Ally Keen.

The Minnesota Space Grant Consortium helps support Universe in the Park.

“Universe in the Park” website

Skymaps.com

Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics

“Universe @ Home” YouTube Channel

“Universe @ Home” website

UMN Public Telescope Viewing
website

Dodge Nature Center
Three Rivers Park District
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

July 21, 2020 – Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics
Introduces “Universe @ Home” – mspmag.com

University of Wisconsin “Universe in the Park”

Universe in the Park presentation