Public Astronomy Observations at SIU Carbondale
The public is invited to free monthly public astronomy observations at the SIU Carbondale Neckers building Astronomy Observation Deck. Regular monthly observations take place while school is in session and are hosted as a joint campus – community effort by the School of Physics and Applied Physics and the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois. Volunteers at each observation assist with guided telescope observations and presentations on the night sky. Larger sepecial events may use other observation locations as noted in the event details.
Parking is available during events at SIU lot #47 between the Neckers building and the SIU Public Policy Institute. The observation deck is located just above the School of Physics office on the A-wing of the Neckers building. Follow signs from Neckers 456 the southwest stairs.
All observations are weather dependent and space limited. For more information, contact SIU Physics at 618-453-2643 or email: physics@siu.edu
Fall 2025 Observation Schedule
Sunday, August 17, 9 – 10:30pm
Free public astronomy observation at the SIU Carbondale, School of Physics and Applied Physics Astronomy Observation Deck, located on the roof of the Neckers building at 1245 Lincoln Drive. Join SIU Physics and the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois for an evening of guided telescopic observations of the night sky.
Significant objects visible this evening: Saturn – rising at 9:21 pm, M57 (Ring Nebula) and M13 (Hercules Globular Cluster).
Children accompanied by adults are welcome. Please note that the observation deck is not handicap accessible and is only accessible via stairs. Note that while this is an outdoor activity, you may be in close proximity to people throughout the evening. Masks for this event are optional.
Saturday, September 27. –SPECIAL EVENT: Southern Illinois Star Party 5pm – 11pm
See https://eclipse.siu.edu/southern-illinois-star-party/ for details.
Saturday, October 5, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Free public astronomy observation at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale, School of Physics and Applied Physics Astronomy Observation Deck, located on the roof of the Neckers building at 1245 Lincoln Drive. Join SIU Physics and the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois for an evening of guided telescopic observations of the night sky.
Significant objects visible this evening: Saturn, the Moon, M57 (Ring Nebula) and M13 (Hercules Globular Cluster).
Children accompanied by adults are welcome. Please note that the observation deck is not handicap accessible and is only accessible via stairs. Note that while this is an outdoor activity, you may be in close proximity to people throughout the evening. Masks for this event are optional.
Sunday, November 16, 9pm – 10:30
Free public astronomy observation at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale, School of Physics and Applied Physics Astronomy Observation Deck, located on the roof of the Neckers building at 1245 Lincoln Drive. Join SIU Physics and the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois for an evening of guided telescopic observations of the night sky.
Significant objects visible this evening: Saturn, Jupiter, M42 (Great Orion Nebula) and M31 (the Andromeda galaxy)
Children accompanied by adults are welcome. Please note that the observation deck is not handicap accessible and is only accessible via stairs. Note that while this is an outdoor activity, you may be in close proximity to people throughout the evening. Masks for this event are optional.
The Neckers Building Astronomy Observation Deck
Located on the roof of the Neckers Building A-wing, the observation deck is 624 square feet in size with a 2″ thick rubber mat base for vibration isolation. The primary telescope is a 14″ Meade LX600. This computer guided telescope is used for all observation events as well as the lab portion of PHYS 103 (Astronomy). Several additional scopes are setup for observations as needed including a Stellarvue SV105 (pictured) as well as a variety of visual and camera assisted telescopes. The observation deck is only open to the public during public astronomy observations. Groups requesting a special observation should email: physics@siu.edu.
Join us on Facebook
For more information and discussion about the observations and other SIU Physics events, please visit the SIU Physics Facebook events page
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't attend in person, is there an online way to participate?
Some event are livestreamed by SolarSTEAM via YouTube Live, @NASASolarSTEAM. See event descriptions for details.
Parking
Free parking is available in SIU lot #47 located in between the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute and the Neckers building.
Are white lights allowed at the observation site?
Street lighting and campus walkway lights will be on during this event. Visitors and staff are encouraged to keep white light to a minimum in the telescope area and use red lights when possible.
Are pets allowed?
No pets other than service animals are allowed at observations.
Can I bring a large group to the event?
Space on the observation deck is limited. Groups should contact physics@siu.edu in advance to insure space is available.
Is there a rain date for the observations?
All observations are weather dependent. There are no rain dates for events. Cancellations will be announced on this page and the SIU Physics Facebook event page.
What types of telescopes are at the event?
All telescopes at the event are portable amateur astronomer telescopes or binoculars. Expect a range of telescopes including 40mm to 100mm refactors that offer incredibly sharp images and a variety of reflectors including Newtonians and compact Schmidt-Cassegrain scopes up to 14″ in size. During lunar observations, a cell phone adapter is used to let visitors get their own picture of the Moon.
Can I setup my own telescope?
Visitors should contact physics@siu.edu in advance for permission to setup their own telescope.
All activities are weather dependent.
No alcohol is permitted at this venue. Southern Illinois University is a smoke free campus.
Note that you will likely be in close proximity to people throughout the evening. If you are feeling sick or have recently been exposed to Covid, please stay home.
Portions of events may be photographed, videoed and live streamed.
For questions or more information, contact SIU Physics at: physics@siu.edu or 618-453-2643.