Friday, October 21 • 8:00-9:30 pm
Party With the Stars

Find out what objects are currently in the night sky and where to find them. Following the indoor presentation, we will set up telescopes outside, weather permitting.

The Evening Sky Map
Click here to download a monthly sky chart from Skymaps.com.

Washburn Observatory
Click on the Washburn Observatory link for schedule information.

Universe in the Park
Check the UitP web site for a list of dates and locations.

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Space Place family workshops are offered during the school year on Saturdays at 10 a.m. for children ages 6-10 and their parents. The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

September 24 - "Wind Up Racer" - Learn about potential and kinetic energy by making a wind up racer.

October 1 - "Strawberry DNA" - You may have heard of DNA but have you ever seen it? Extract some DNA from a strawberry and find out how the process works.

Space Place guest presentations are always free and open to the public, and are offered the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

*Special* Guest Presentation
Thursday, October 6 • 7:00-8:00 pm

"Journey to the Center of our Milky Way Galaxy" by Cornelia Lang, Univ. of Iowa, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy

Please note this *special* presentation is on Thursday not on our usual Tuesday night.

Guest Presentation
Tuesday, October 11 • 7:00-8:00 pm

"When Black Holes Collide: Measuring Gravity Waves with LIGO" by Prof. Patrick Brady, UW-Milwaukee Physics Dept.

Find out how physicists at UWM are involved in the detection of gravitational waves using LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory).

Watch past guest speakers on WPT's University Place

Telescope Workshop
Friday, October 21 • 7:00-8:00 pm

Build and learn to use your own telescope! We will construct the telescope, help you learn to use the lenses that are included, and give you some tips for observing. The fee for the workshop is $35 which includes the Galileoscope telescope kit. Email kay@astro.wisc.edu to register for the workshop.

Click to download flyer.

Countdown to a Total Solar Eclipse

We're now less than one year from tomorrow will be the Great American Solar Eclipse! On August 21st, 2017 the shadow of the Moon will across the United States creating an event few people get the opportunity to observe - a total solar eclipse!

Here in Madison we we will experience a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering about 80% of the Sun. If you want to observe a total solar eclipse, you will have to plan ahead to do some traveling and reserve a room now.

Click here for more information on the ecilpse and best places for viewing.

Star Gazing in Madison Parks - Lake Edge Park
Monday, September 26 • 7:00-8:00 pm (this program has been rescheduled from 9/19 due to inclement weather)

Do you know how to find the Big and Little Dippers in the night sky? Well, here's your chance to find out! Madison Parks and UW Space Place join together to offer stargazing programs in the parks. Each session begins with a 20-30 minute talk and slide show about astronomy. At the conclusion of the talk (if the sky is clear) we will set up telescopes and provide park visitors the opportunity to view astronomical objects. All ages welcome. This month we will be at Lake Edge Park Shelter on Madison's east side.

Pre-Registration is required: This event is free to attend; however, due to the popularity of the program we are asking those interested in attending to register by calling Madison Parks Office at (608) 266-4711.

Click here for more information.