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Star Party Events

The Observatory is located on the south end of the FMU main campus. Parking for the Observatory is in Lot D or the Center for the Child parking lot. Parking next to the Observatory during public events is not allowed due to safety concerns. If you drive past barriers, you will be asked to leave and park in the designated areas. 
 

Observatory viewing events are subject to good weather conditions. We will not be able to hold events if it is completely cloudy or raining. Please check our Facebook page for updates on the weather conditions. We cannot update our website from the Observatory. 
 

Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight to assist in walking to the Observatory. Temperatures can change quickly as the sun sets and visitors should plan accordingly. Children are welcome to attend events at the observatory. 

2025 Events
DateStartEndProgramLocationObjects/Notes
16 Jan 20256:00 PM8:00 PMPlanet ViewingFMU Observatory Grounds near the TrackVenus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and other Deep Sky Objects


 

2024 Events
DateStartEndProgramLocationObjects/Notes
24 Aug 20248:00 PM10:00 PMViewing party for Saturn and Deep Sky ObjectsFMU Observatory GroundsSaturn and Deep Sky

8 Sep 2024

(Too Cloudy)

8:00 PM10:00 PMSaturn Opposition ViewingFMU Observatory GroundsVenus, Crescent Moon, and Deep Sky
9 Sep 20248:00 PM10:00 PMSaturn Opposition ViewingFMU Observatory GroundsVenus, Crescent Moon, and Deep Sky
17 Sep 20248:30 PM1:00 AMPartial Lunar Eclipse Viewing FMU Observatory GroundsMaximum occurs at 10:44 PM

26 Sep 2024

Cancelled due to approaching tropical storm

7:00 PM9:00 PMSPS Hosted Observing PartyFMU Observatory GroundsSaturn and Deep Sky objects
30 Oct 20247:00 PM10:00 PMTrick-or-Treat with TelescopesFMU Observatory Grounds near the TrackFeel free to dress in costume!
2 Nov 202410:00 AM5:00 PMSolar Observing at the Pecan FestivalDowntown Florence in front of the PACSTEM Zone
7 Dec 20246:00 PM8:00 PMJupiter Opposition ViewingFMU Observatory Grounds near the TrackSaturn, Crescent Moon, Venus, and Deep Sky 
2023 Events
14 Oct 202311:30 AM3:00 PMPartial Solar Eclipse Viewing PartyFMU Observatory GroundsEvent was clouded out
27 Oct 20237:00 PM9:00 PMTrick-or-Treat with TelescopesFMU Observatory Grounds near the TrackFeel free to dress in costume!

 

2022 Events
15 May 202210:00 PM1:00 AMLunar Eclipse Viewing PartyFMU Observatory Grounds near the TrackPeople who wish to bring out their telescopes should contact Dr. Myers (jmyers@fmarion.edu) to discuss set up time and gate access.
2020 Events
21 Feb 20207:00 PM9:00 PMVenus, Orion Nebula, various Deep Sky ObjectsFMU Observatory