The forecast is looking stormy for this Wednesday's (8/5) public hours. For now we're still planning to be up there from 9-11pm to do tours and show off photos, but it doesn't look like we'll be able to open the dome for any observations.
NIU Observatory
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We are an astronomical observatory managed by NIU's Dept of Physics, located on NIU's main campus.
The NIU observatory, mounted on top of Davis hall, is home to a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain reflecting Telescope, a 60mm Televue refracting telescope, and several other portable 'scopes. Weather permitting the observatory is open for weekly public viewings, and for other groups by appointment. The observatory dome was added to the existing Davis Hall building in 1965. The original telescope was rep
The forecast looks clear and cool for tomorrow (7/29) night's public hours from 9-11pm. This week we'll be watching Venus as it sets in the west, and the full moon as it rises in the east. See you up there!
The NIU Observatory will be open this Wednesday (7/15) from 9-11pm for public hours. This week we'll be observing planet Venus until it sets, and then we'll be looking at some of the brighter stars that are out. See you up there!
Looks like clear skies for this Wednesday's (7/8) public hours from 9-11pm. Jupiter has moved close to the sun over the last few weeks, and is now setting too early for us to see. However, Venus is nearing it's maximum elongation from the sun and is currently visible from sunset until around 10pm. Once Venus sets we'll be viewing a selection of some of the brighter summer stars, including the double star Mizar and Aclor.
See you up there!
The Observatory will be open for public hours this Wed (7/1) from 9-11pm.
This week we'll be watching Jupiter and Venus, and just as they set in the west, we'll have the full moon will be rising in the east.
Should be a beautifully clear night, though maybe a bit warm. See you up there!
It looks like the rain and clouds will continue tonight (6/24), so the NIU observatory will unfortunately NOT be open. We hope to see you next week! Stay dry everyone!
The Observatory is hoping the rain and clouds will be done in time for our public hours this Wed (6/24) from 9-11pm! Either way, this week we will be open, so we hope to see you up there!
Due to inclement weather, the observatory will not be open for public hours tomorrow night (6/17)
We'll see you up there next week!
There are some strong storms forecasted for tonight, so we have decided not to open for our scheduled public hours this week. Stay safe and dry out there, and we'll see you all next Wednesday (6/17)!
06/01/2026
And speaking of Meteors and Meteorites, sounds like there was quite a big one over Boston this weekend!
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Address
218 Normal Road/Davis Hall
Dekalb, IL
60115
Opening Hours
| 9pm - 11pm |