“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, 2024.
| 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 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 began with a short talk and slide show, and questions from the audience were encouraged. After the presentation, if weather allowed, attendees were able to view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes. Free star maps from Skymaps.com were provided.
Presentations covered a wide variety of astronomical topics, including the history of matter, the solar system, galaxies, and how astronomers “see” outside the visible spectrum.
Universe in the Park is headed by University of Minnesota faculty member Evan Skillman and graduate student Nico Adams.
The Minnesota Space Grant Consortium helps support Universe in the Park.
“Universe in the Park” website
“Universe @ Home” website
Public Telescope Viewing website
Skymaps.com
“Universe @ Home” YouTube Channel
Dodge Nature Center
Three Rivers Park District
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
July 21, 2020 – Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics
Introduces “Universe @ Home” – mspmag.com