“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
Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics
“Universe @ Home” YouTube Channel
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”
