Facilities

From the observatory and planetarium, to our labs and equipment in Latham Hall, there’s so much to discover in the UNI Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences.

Our department routinely offers tours and programming for members of the public, and local teachers along with their students. We can accommodate any age group, from ages 6 and up. Visits can last from one to two hours and can be targeted for a specific age group and/or interests.

Our faculty are also available to identify rocks and fossils, and can answer questions about various aspects of the Earth Sciences, including educational and career opportunities. To arrange a visit or to inquire about possible visits, please contact Dr. Siobahn Morgan at 319-273-2759 or via email at siobahn.morgan@uni.edu.

Visit the Observatory

Gaze at distant planets, observe astronomical phenomena and learn more about the stars in our galaxy. Throughout the school year, families, clubs and visitors can come to the roof of McCollum Science Hall for a fun and informative evening with faculty and students at our observatory telescope. Programs are free and open to the public.

What to know before you go…

The UNI Observatory at McCollum Science Hall will have shows starting the first Thursday in September, and continuing until the first Thursday in November. Spring semester shows begin after Spring Break and end before final exam week. All Thursday shows will be advertised on the UNI Calendar - check it for specific times. Large groups interested in visiting should contact Dr. Siobahn Morgan to set up a different visit day or time for a visit. Any large groups showing up unexpectedly may not be allowed to visit the observatory.

What are the hours?

During the fall semester, the outdoor observatory shows at McCollum Science Hall start at 9 p.m. Spring semester shows will start at 9 p.m. The program will start promptly on the hour. Depending upon the number of participants and the weather conditions, the observatory show can last from half an hour to an hour or longer.

Where should I go?

To attend a program, meet out Lantz Auditorium (McCollum Hall room 137) before the starting time so that the observatory guide can show you up to the roof. Due to safety measures, if you arrive after the program begins, you will not be able to participate.

What about weather?

The observatory program will go ahead, regardless of the weather conditions. Even on cloudy nights, you will at least have the chance to learn about the observatory and the workings of the telescope. Dress appropriately for the observatory experience. During cooler months, wear layers and dress warmly. The roof is windy and the observatory is not heated. During warmer months, mosquitos and other pesky insects can be a nuisance, so be prepared with bug spray and/or protective clothing.

Other tips

Smaller children may have a hard time looking through a telescope. Coming on an evening that features a very bright object like the moon or a bright planet visible to them is ideal. Since the observatory can be rather crowded, and the program is presented usually under dark conditions, it is not recommended that children under the age of 6-7 attend the observatory open houses for their own safety.
It is against university policy for pets to be inside of University buildings, so please leave your pets at home.
The use of electronic devices (cell/smart phones, iPads, etc) is strictly prohibited during the observatory show.

If you have any questions about visiting the observatory or if you would like to arrange a special visit for a group, please contact Dr. Siobahn Morgan, telephone: 319-273-2389 (email is preferred).

Visit the Planetarium

During January, February and early March, the Planetarium is open to the public for astronomy programs each Thursday night. The first show begins at 6 p.m., and the second show will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome. The planetarium seats 25 persons and all shows begin promptly on the hour. Planetarium shows will continue until mid-March when the outdoor observatory programs begin. The planetarium is located at room 105 Latham Hall. Cell phones, cameras and tablets cannot be used during the program.

About Latham Hall

Latham Hall contains a variety of Earth Science displays and features:

Geology - rocks, minerals, fossils, Iowa geological resources, Ice Age Iowa, geodes, and even a T-Rex skull
Meteorology - real-time weather equipment
Astronomy - observatory, planetarium, meteorites, interactive displays