Looking for an astronomy fix? During the summer months, we don’t have the Friday night Public Viewings at the UofM’s Institute for Astrophysics, instead there is the Universe in the Park program on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. These events are held in various parks — some close, some not so close. The program starts with a 20-30 minute presentation at 8:30 p.m. and then, weather permitting, an opportunity to view the sky through telescopes until 10 or 11 p.m. Participants can learn how to use a star map and go home with a free one.
Cost to Participate
This program is free, but a vehicle permit are required at the State Parks ($35 annual/$7 daily). Don’t forget to dress appropriately for Minnesota summer evenings (You know the drill — layers and insect repellent.) Since it IS a park, and you are paying for a days worth of parking, you might as well arrive early with a picnic and have some playtime.
Dress for a Minnesota summer evening. You may want to wear or bring long pants and sleeves in case it cools down after dark and bring the outdoor essentials, like bug spray, good walking shoes and and a water bottle.
Participating 2021 Universe In the Park locations:
2021 is a little abbreviated from past year, but the good news is that all the parks are within an hour’s drive of the mid-metro.
| July 9 | Dodge Nature Center | |
| July 10 | William O’Brien State Park | |
| July 17 | Eastman Nature Center | |
| July 24 | Lowry Nature Center | |
| July 31 | William O’Brien State Park | |
| August 7 | Afton State Park | |
| August 13 | Lake Maria State Park | |
| August 14 | William O’Brien State Park | |
| August 21 | Lowry Nature Center | |
| August 27 | Afton State Park |
For more information, contact Nico Adams at adams900@umn.edu.
More Astronomy Family Fun:
- Como Planetarium
- Minnesota Night Sky Viewing
- Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics – Public Viewing Nights
- Staring Lake Observatory, Eden Prairie
- We have found some fun items for learning astronomy as a family
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