Statewide Public Star Party at ELO

Featured Speaker 7:30 pm: Laura Hammerbeck

Topic: The Northern Lights – dancing lights in the sky that have captivated people for millennia. What are they? When can I see them? Where? Treat yourself to a dazzling light show as you learn about the science of this spectacular phenomenon, and see why it has enchanted us throughout the ages.

The MAS is partnering with the Bell Museum for the 2025 Statewide Star Party. All across the state folks will gather to stargaze! This years theme, Aurora Voyage: Chasing the Northern Lights, is an invitation to celebrate the beauty of Minnesota’s northern skies and learn more about this beloved phenomena.

During a Public Star Party, we use our array of telescope platforms to show you the wonders of the night sky. Our primary goal during a star party is to view stars, star clusters, galaxies, nebula, planets and maybe a comet or two, all observable through our telescopes. There may also be a presentation or Q&A session at a public event. Public star parties typically run from 7:00-10:00 pm, although we tend to stay later during the summer months as the summer sunset is later. Note that the Park is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. The main gate to the park entrance automatically closes at 10:00 pm, so please plan to arrive before then.

Public Star Parties are typically all-weather events. Even if it’s cloudy someone will open the observatory for a tour, give a presentation or answer any astronomy questions you may have. If this is your first star party, or it’s been a while since you’ve been to one, please review the Public Star Party Guidelines.

Annually, we also host all day events for the Spring and Fall Astronomy Day and the annual Camping with the Stars event.  Additionally, we may schedule special events throughout the year for a unique astronomical happenings such as an eclipses, planetary oppositions, conjunctions or comets.

*Other than our Camping with the Stars (CWTS) event, registration is not required to attend an event. CWTS is also the only event there is a fee to attend, as it is coordinated through the Baylor Park offices. Call the Baylor Park Office at 952-466-5255 for CWTS registration and camping information.

Additional information as well as directions can be found on the Eagle Lake Observatory web page.

Eagle Lake Observatory         onaninfo@mnastro.org