SIU Carbondale is inviting the public to the Southern Illinois Star Party. The free event on Saturday, Sept. 19, includes night sky talks, guided telescope observations and science activities for kids. (Photo provided by Bob Baer)
September 03, 2026
SIU invites community to free Star Party, guest starring Saturn
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The stars will align for an evening under the night sky, where visitors can view the moon, faraway planets and other celestial wonders that twinkle from above. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting the event, and attendees just need to bring their curiosity.
The free Southern Illinois Star Party is an annual event held in cooperation with the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois providing guided telescope observations and science activities. This year, it will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 11 p.m.
Before sunset, the event will include safe viewing of the sun, made possible through specially filtered solar scopes. The filtered telescopes allow for observations of solar activity such as prominences and sunspots.
Bob Baer, an associate scientist in the School of Physics and Applied Physics, said once the sun sets, the evening will offer spectacular views of Saturn that only come once a year.
“The main thing this year is the planet Saturn will be very close to opposition, placing it directly opposite the Earth from the Sun,” he said. “It will appear brighter and larger than other times.”
The first Star Party was held in the fall of 2018 following the success surrounding the 2017 total solar eclipse, during which the university hosted activities and events that attracted visitors nationwide. Since that first Star Party, a highlight has been access to the large telescopes, including one that cannot be reached while standing on the ground.
“The largest scope has a 30-inch mirror and requires a ladder to reach the eyepiece eight feet in the air,” Baer said. “The views people get of the planets, deep sky objects, and the Moon are pretty incredible.”
Throughout the event, organizers will hold night-sky talks, so its recommended to bring a chair and blanket, get comfortable, and stay a while. In addition, SIU astronomy students will hold free science activities for children:
- Craters on the moon: Drop objects such as rocks into sand or flour to create a crater like those on the Moon.
- Oreo Eclipses: A tasty way to make eclipses and demonstrate the phases of the Moon.
- Straw rockets: Build rockets with straws and paper
“SIU astronomy students are asked to volunteer for the star party to assist with running telescopes, help with the crowd, or assist with learning activities,” Baer said, highlighting the invaluable opportunity the Star Party provides to SIU students. “The experience gives them a chance to share what they are learning in class with the public.”
Baer added that some visitors like to attend the Star Party every year as the night sky offers different celestial wonders each time.
“Each year is slightly different because of what we can look at, and I think that is one thing that keeps people coming back,” he said. “It is also a unique experience for this area that I think people look forward to.”
This year’s star party will be darker with activities and presentations taking place in small groups. “We have decided not to use the inflatable screen for presentations this year as we’ve done in the past,” Baer said. “It allows us to focus more on the night sky and smaller group presentations that allow increased interaction and discussion between volunteers and visitors.”
The event will be held at the SIU University Farms Astronomy Observation Area, 2 miles west of the main campus in a semi-dark area. Free parking will be located at SIU campus lot #63 on the corner of Chautauqua and Oakland streets in Carbondale with shuttle pickups every 15 minutes starting at 5:45pm.
For disability accommodations, call 618-453-5738. Disabled visitors or those bringing telescope equipment that would be difficult to transport by shuttle may contact events@siu.edu or call SIU Events and Outreach at 618-453-7751 for a free onsite parking permit.
Can’t make it in person? Portions of the Southern Illinois Star Party will be livestreamed to YouTube @NASAsolarSTEAM. You can watch the stream online.
More information can be found on the Star Party website.